BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A proposed housing development in Shafter has become the latest flashpoint in an ongoing dispute with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, with city leaders arguing the neighborhood plans predate the rail project and the authority warning the development conflicts with its approved alignment.
Shafter Mayor Chad Givens said the city and homebuilder Lennar have had plans for the area since 2005, several years before voters approved high-speed rail in 2008. The city recently approved plans for about 1,200 Lennar homes in the Gossamer Grove area.
“Uh, High Speed Rail, um, they’re kind of the bully in the room. They don’t really care,” Givens said…