California AG Raising Legal Concerns Over Warehouse Development Plan in Inland Empire

By: Sharjeel Sohaib

• 

Jul 3, 2023

 • 

Utilize Our Platform

  • Attorney General Rob Bonta raises serious legal issues concerning the proposed Airport Gateway Specific Plan in the Inland Empire, focusing on the potential displacement of approximately 2,600 residents in a majority-Hispanic community.
  • Bonta highlights the environmental impact of the development plan, expressing concerns about introducing approximately 9,000 new heavy-duty diesel truck trips per day, exacerbating air pollution in an area.
  • The AG’s comment letter aligns with the concerns raised by community and environmental groups, emphasizing the need for responsible and fair economic development that considers the well-being of affected communities and the environment.

California Attorney General (AG), Rob Bonta, has recently voiced his concerns regarding the proposed Airport Gateway Specific Plan in the Inland Empire cities of Highland and San Bernardino. In a comment letter filed by his office, he highlights major legal issues associated with the development plan, focusing on the potential displacement of residents and adverse environmental impacts.

What are the Legal Issues Raised by AG Bonta?

Attorney General Bonta’s comment letter points out several significant problems with the Airport Gateway Specific Plan, aiming to facilitate the construction of up to 9.2 million square feet of new warehouses within the San Bernardino Airport. Given below are the following major legal concerns raised by Bonta:

  1. Relocation of Residents: One of the primary issues raised by Attorney General Bonta is the potential displacement of approximately 2,600 residents residing in a predominantly Hispanic community. This community already faces severe socioeconomic disadvantages and a lack of affordable housing. The proposed plan’s implementation without proper relocation assistance would aggravate these challenges, thereby violating California housing laws.
  2. Environmental Impact: Bonta also emphasizes the adverse ecological consequences associated with the proposed development plan. The Inland Empire region, including Highland and San Bernardino, already experiences some of the state’s worst air pollution. The plan’s implementation would introduce an estimated 9,000 new heavy-duty diesel truck trips per day, further deteriorating air quality and endangering the health and well-being of the communities. This aspect raises concerns about potential violations of environmental laws.

Support from Community and Environmental Groups

Attorney General Bonta’s comment letter aligns with the concerns expressed by community and environmental organizations. These groups have proactively voiced their apprehensions about the proposed Airport Gateway Specific Plan. 

Their concerns primarily revolve around the displacement of residents and the detrimental impact on the already compromised air quality. By echoing these concerns, Bonta’s office aims to address the issues raised by these groups, ensuring their voice is heard.

Responsible and Fair Economic Development

Bonta emphasizes the need for responsible and fair implementation of such projects while expressing his support for economic development. The current form of the Airport Gateway Specific Plan falls short of meeting these criteria, as reported by the AG. He calls for a comprehensive approach that considers the welfare of the affected communities and the environment, ensuring that economic progress does not come at the expense of vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Attorney General Rob Bonta’s comment letter sheds light on the legal issues surrounding the proposed Airport Gateway Specific Plan in the Inland Empire. By raising concerns about the potential displacement of residents and the adverse environmental impacts, Bonta emphasizes the need for responsible and fair development. 

His actions align with the concerns of the community and environmental groups, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that economic growth in the region progresses without compromising the well-being of its residents and the environment. 

As the discussion continues, it still needs to be seen how these legal issues are addressed and if the proposed development plan will undergo revisions to mitigate the concerns of Attorney General Bonta and other stakeholders.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Connecting you with the best startups, people & events in the Inland Empire.

Support Startup News & Media!


Enjoying the startup news & media? Support us!

We have big plans, and we need your help!

Startempire Wire is a community of people working together to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in the Inland Empire. We provide resources and connect people with the startup culture.

We believe that the Inland Empire has all of the ingredients for success. This region just needs a platform to show the world what it can do – And this is exactly what Startempirewire.com is doing. Our goal is to act as a megaphone to connect the dots between the best startups, events, and people in the Inland Empire.

We have big plans, and we need your help! If you are passionate about creating a thriving local startup ecosystem, then we would like to invite you to join in contributing to the community by supporting us. You can do that by supporting us financially or by being an active contributor. In return, we will give you (depending on sponsorship level) free access to our content, other level based perks &  the opportunity to connect with a network of passionate people working to build a better future for all of us.

We cover the good and the bad of entrepreneurship, startups & business events; we do it with passion and purpose. If you like what we do, support us & please consider becoming a patron. Your support is essential for independent local startup media to survive & thrive.

You can make a regular one time donation to become a sponsor at any level, or you can choose to become a monthly or event sponsor.  Every little bit counts! Thank You

Verious B. Smith III

Founder, Startempire Wire

Related Articles

OASIS Challenge: Showcasing Innovation in Sustainability

OASIS Challenge: Showcasing Innovation in Sustainability

RIVERSIDE, CA – The Southern California OASIS™ Challenge Pitch Finals, a much-anticipated event in the sustainability sector, is set to take place, spotlighting six innovative Inland Empire companies. These finalists, vying for $100,000 in grants and invaluable...

Stay Up On Startempire News

Access Premium Content

Startempire Wire premium content access is free during the beta period of our  website.  Join during beta and get a grandfathered discount when we launch.

$5 for first month then $15 per month

Get Every Update

Would you like to receive Startempire Wire updates in your inbox? Subscribe below!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow Us

Follow Startempire Wire on other social media channels.

0
My cart
Your cart is empty.

Looks like you haven't made a choice yet.