Car wash, day care center planned for Shoppes at the Lakes

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Construction of two new businesses was approved by the Menifee Planning Commission Wednesday for the Shoppes at the Lakes center at Newport and Menifee Roads.

Phase 2 of what is known as the Stater Bros. shopping center will include a Mister Car Wash and a Kinder Care day care center. They will be located on what is now vacant land in the southeast corner of the center, bordering Laguna Vista Drive.

Because of the number of existing car washes in the city, staff members were asked to conduct a study of whether another is needed. The study concluded that there is sufficient demand for such a business on the east side of the 215 Freeway, even though there is another car wash directly across Newport Road.

The project follows Phase 2 development requirements of the center that was planned as part of the original design in 2015.

“It seems rather odd to have a car wash next to a child care center, but I know there’s a need for child care,” said commissioner Randy Madrid, who was part of a unanimous approval of the project.

The day care center will cover 9,795 square feet with peak traffic times in the early morning and later afternoon drop-off and pick-up times.

“Compared to placeholder projects we had for the project, this will actually be a reduction in projected traffic,” said the applicant.

Commissioners were assured there would be sufficient safety fencing separating the two facilities. There is no specific timetable for construction, which should take from six to nine months. Access to the businesses will be from current entrances off Newport Road and off Laguna Vista Drive.