New shops continue to open in renovated Argonaut Center

By Leigh Ann Maze

The renovated and expanded Argonaut Shopping Center is putting on the finishing touches. A few issues--such as size and species of shrubs, paint colors and location of turn lanes--still need to be resolved, but the center is expected to go ahead with its planned Dec. 4 grand opening, said James Walgren, Saratoga's director of community development. Walgren presented the unresolved issues at the City Council meeting on Nov. 3.

Opposition to Starbucks' and Jamba Juice's opening stores in the center, which neighbors voiced at public hearings this summer, has died down since permits were issued to both retail chains, Walgren said. Some community members had health concerns about juice pasteurization at Jamba Juice. Neighbors also worried that the stores would bring increased traffic, trash and noise to the area.

According to Argonaut managing agent Mollie Choate, however, no formal complaints about Starbucks have been filed since it opened Aug. 28.

Yet area resident Chris Hawks said several neighbors are still unhappy with the two stores' proximity to their homes. Neighbors remain concerned by bright outside lighting, car headlights and a recent occurrence of loud pressure washing of the sidewalk late at night.

Jamba Juice, which opened Nov. 10, celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 27, with a reggae band and free back massages. General manager Don Riedthaler said he addressed the community's initial health concerns and has not received any further complaints. Par's Pet Center and Blockbuster video also recently opened. Other general retail stores planning to open in the center by December are Pacific Bell Wireless and Togo's. The remaining retail spaces are still available for lease.

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