Big Red Barn mulls expansion amid concerns of neighbors

The Big Red Barn in Prunedale known for its weekend flea market is looking to become much more as the owner, Sal Jimenez, seeks a permit to hold corporate events and more family activities like electric go-carts.“There is not much to do here at all so having the go-kart or other activities nearby would be really nice because otherwise, we have to go into Hollister or San Juan, or Salinas to have any family time outside,” said Sadie Spencer, of Aromas. “I'm really excited about the go-karts,” added her son Jordan.Excitement but concern at the same time over plans to bring more activities to the Red Barn that could also include concerts, food festivals, quinceaneras, movie nights, a Christmas tree lot, and haunted houses.Some neighbors are concerned about increased traffic and noise. Like Erik Snyder who lives near the barn.“That's going to cause some serious headaches for us because we're right there and we already deal with a lot of traffic and all the accidents right there, you're just going to be bringing in more,” Snyder said.“I think if it's controlled, I mean, it's good for the economy, you know, good for the people. So I think I would be in favor of it,” added Richard Smith, of Prunedale.County planning commissioners will take up the permit request when they meet Wednesday. County staff is recommending approval and the attorney for the Red Barn owner says Jimenez is sensitive to the concerns of neighbors.“He doesn't intend for the property to become a nuisance to anybody and so we'll work in the intervening weeks to try and address those issues as well,” said land use attorney Anthony Lombardo.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories here | Download our app | Download Very Local