Recent cleanup and grading at southeast corner of
Lakeview Road and Orcutt Road for planned gas station and mini-mart

          It has been almost two years since the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved plans for a gas station and mini-mart at the southeast corner of Lakeview Road and Orcutt Road.  It took four years of County analysis before the gas station with four dispensers and a 5000 square foot convenience store could be approved.  
Six years after the application was filed, the site was still vacant. Over the years, trash and weeds overtook the site.  Neighbors picked up trash and cut down weeds. The County roads department collected the citizen-filled trash bags.  
          But there are indications the site may soon welcome customers. During the past few weeks grading has begun, and weeds have been cleared.  According to a County planner, the owners have gained zoning clearance, grading permits and a building permit.
Traffic challenges at the cross streets of Lakeview, Orcutt Road and Highway 135 have slowed the County permit process. According to the County, the interchange is the site of more accidents than any intersection in Santa Barbara County.   Last month the Supervisors hired Wallace Group Engineering of San Luis Obispo to “look at the feasibility of intersection modifications for near term, mid-term and long-term solutions,” according to Esau Blanco, Engineer Manager for Capital Improvements.  
          As it currently stands, the developers will be required to install signs prohibiting left turns or driving through the intersection on Orcutt Road during peak periods: 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm. During those time periods, drivers will only be allowed to make right turns onto Lakeview Road.            Complicating the traffic issue, Caltrans has jurisdiction on State Highway 135, and the location is at the boundary line of the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Santa Maria. 
Steve Southwick reporting