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Public gets its shot to comment on proposed Moreno Valley warehouse next to wildlife reserve
Standing water with vegetation at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.
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Public gets its shot to comment on proposed Moreno Valley warehouse next to wildlife reserve
Public gets its shot to comment on proposed Moreno Valley warehouse next to wildlife reserve
Monday night the public will get its first chance to weigh in on a proposed 41-million-square-foot warehouse complex in Moreno Valley.
The World Logistics Center could take up nearly 4,000 acres of vacant land adjacent to the San Jacinto Wildlife Area, a popular destination for hikers, hunters and bird watchers. The reserve is considered the cornerstone of Riverside County’s Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
"Some 40 million square feet of warehousing will be like 40 or 50 football fields on the border of the wildlife area," says George Hague of the Sierra Club's Moreno Valley chapter.
Hague and others in the chapter oppose the proposed warehouse, citing potential environmental effects.
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"There is significant drainage, run-off issues," says Hague. "If litigation is necessary to protect the San Jacinto Wildlife Area, then Fish and Game must make sure this happens.”
The developer, Highland Fairview, says the warehouse would be one of the most environmentally friendly projects of its kind. It is modeled after Highland’s other major project: the nearly 2-million-square-foot solar-powered Skechers warehouse in Moreno Valley.
The Skechers warehouse won Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
A promotional film also pitches the new complex as a boost to Moreno Valley’s cratered economy and housing market.
”Demand for local real estate will naturally occur," according to the film. "Supporting higher values for local housing. This project will also improve our quality of life, providing shorter commutes for residents and those locally employed."
Moreno Valley’s general plan would have to be revised to accommodate the complex. The city would also have to annex additional land before the warehouse project could be approved.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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