While some homeowners are moving out of a southwest Bakersfield neighborhood that could be torn down in place of a freeway, homebuyers are taking advantage of the opportunity.
The proposed Centennial Corridor Project would extend Highway 58 west of the 99, eventually linking to Interstate Five.
In a quarter mile radius, a Comparative Market Analysis, completed Monday morning, shows of the 23 homes listed in the last six months only one is still for sale.
As some people are taking the opportunity to move in, current residents are still unsure of the neighborhood's future.
Joseph Nunez bought his home in Westpark less than two years ago.
"We were really excited, we were eager, we were very optimistic. We essentially heard a little bit of what was going on, but because of this being our first home we were excited about the fact that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to kind of jump into this and see where it takes us," said Nunez.
It took him into the middle of a proposed project that would completely alter the Westpark neighborhood.
"It's gotten to the point where we're getting really really close to Caltrans making a decision, them giving the green or the red light and that in itself starts to kind of create either interest, worry, anxiety," said Nunez.
While some people are concerned about the impact of the Centennial Corridor Project on their homes, other people are looking to move into the neighborhood.
"In this market, it's hard to find a house because there's no listings. So, this assures them that they can get into a house," said local realtor Pamela Brennan.
Brennan is representing the active listing that would be demolished under the proposed Centennial Corridor Project's Plan B Route. She said buying a home in the Westpark area is a good investment for buyers.
"It probably won't be happening for almost five years. So, what I tell the clients is that they pay fair market value so it's a win-win situation because values are going up," said Brennan.
Nunez said he's noticed the increase in sales in the area, but is staying positive.
"I think it creates a little panic, but at the same time, you just have to hope, hope that things will kind of resolve themselves and that with the work and the persistence of the residents and some of the leaders here we'll come out on top," said Nunez.
The Comparative Market Analysis shows almost every home listed in the Westpark area in the last 6 months is now in the final selling stages or has already sold. Many of them are going for the asking price, if not more.