NEWMAN — The Newman Planning Commission will consider a site plan review on Sept. 18 for a proposed commercial shopping center located at the southernmost entrance to town along Highway 33.

The project, submitted by applicant George Souza, includes eight buildings totaling approximately 107,000 square feet on a 15.1-acre parcel. Following right-of-way dedications, the site would span roughly 11.8 acres. The development is part of the Mattos Ranch Subdivision Phase 2 and has already received environmental clearance through a Mitigated Negative Declaration certified by the City Council in 2024.

The proposed shopping center features five stand-alone dining buildings—three with drive-thru access and two with patio seating—alongside a 15,000-square-foot flexible-use building suitable for retail, medical, or office tenants. Two larger multi-tenant buildings on the west side of the site would offer six spaces ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet, with rear loading docks and the potential for an anchor tenant.

The site plan includes 540 parking spaces, exceeding the 440 required by municipal code, and over 82,000 square feet of landscaping. Conditions of approval require the inclusion of at least 88 large canopy trees and Chinese Pistache trees along “N” Street, in accordance with the City’s Street Tree Plan and Highway 33 Specific Plan.

Access to the site would be provided via two entry points from Highway 33 and two from the Mattos Drive extension. The developer is responsible for constructing all frontage improvements to CalTrans standards and securing necessary approvals. Additional conditions include the establishment of a Property Owners’ Association to manage long-term maintenance of common areas and compliance with flood zone requirements.

The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall. Staff recommends approval of the project, subject to specified conditions.