Politics & Government

County Supervisor Announces New Committee For Gateway Center Feedback, Input

"Regardless of any benefits, residents have raised concerns that I believe the committee should evaluate before this proposal comes to the Board of Supervisors," Supervisor Marion Ashley said.

It appears local political leaders are taking notice of community concerns over a proposed warehouse distribution center in Cherry Valley.

Recently, some Beaumont politicians announced their opposition to the project, which is proposed to encompass some 2.5 million square feet on land north of Cherry Valley Boulevard and east of Interstate 10. 

[RELATED: 2.5 Million Sq. Ft. Cherry Valley Industrial Complex Would Employ Thousands, Project Planner Says]

Though planners estimate that thousands of jobs could come from the complex, local citizens are concerned with the potential negative impacts it could also bring.  Several of those concerns have been brought up here on Patch, in the blogs section.

Now, Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley wants the board of supervisors to listen to those concerns, too. 

"Because of concerns raised by residents and others, Supervisor Marion Ashley will ask the Board of Supervisors to form a project review committee to evaluate the proposed industrial distribution facility between Beaumont and Calimesa," a news release sent to Patch from his office on Tuesday states.

According to Ashley's office, this new committee will have the opportunity to ask for things like "project improvements, changes, and/or redesign."  His office tells Patch that, depending on how many people apply, approximately 9 to 11 will likely serve on the committee.

Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Here is more from that announcement: 

Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In 2008, the Board approved the fast-track designation for the proposed I-10 Gateway Job Center on Cherry Valley Blvd. east of I-10.  That status was considered based on the project's potential for creating jobs and plans to devote about 30 percent of the site to open space. The fast-track process requires a full environmental review before a proposal may proceed.

 

"Regardless of any benefits, residents have raised concerns that I believe the committee should evaluate before this proposal comes to the Board of Supervisors," Ashley said. 

The committee will consist of stakeholders and interested parties, such as representatives from local government, water, community-based organizations, businesses and homeowners’ associations, to name a few.

 

Under the committee structure, members will have the opportunity to ask for improvements, changes, and/or redesign.  Of interest to Ashley are impacts on water, traffic, infrastructure, air quality and community compatibility.

 

About a month ago, the county Planning Department held a public meeting to solicit comments about issues regarding the proposed project's environmental review. Residents and representatives from local agencies raised concerns about the proposed project. Since that time, Ashely noted, residents and local elected officials continue to raise concerns. Given those issues, he said, it would be appropriate to slow the project down and seek community review and input.

 

Community members interested in applying for the committee should contact Steven A. Hernandez at (951) 955-1050 or email him atsahernan@rcbos.org.





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