City Council Considers Controversial Warehouse Project Approval

In a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around a proposed warehouse project on California Avenue, located at the former Splash Kingdom site. The project is significant as it falls under an ordinance adopted in April 2023, which regulates the construction of warehouses over 50,000 square feet in Redlands. This ordinance aims to minimize air quality impacts and requires new warehouses to be situated within a mile of freeway entrances.

The proposed warehouse, encompassing approximately 16 acres, will feature 47 truck loading bays and is designed to blend with the surrounding industrial and commercial landscape. The building is set to be a concrete tilt-up structure, approximately 50 feet tall, with a color scheme of blue and gray. The project also includes landscaping efforts that will protect existing mature trees and incorporate drought-resistant plants.

During the meeting, it was noted that the project complies with the city’s general plan policies, which encourage industrial development near transportation corridors while minimizing impacts on residential areas. However, the Planning Commission had previously recommended denial of the application, citing concerns about the project's compatibility with existing land uses and its potential impact on the character of the area.

Despite these concerns, city staff maintained that the project meets all necessary requirements and would not significantly impact local traffic. A traffic impact analysis indicated that nearby intersections would continue to operate efficiently, with minor improvements planned to facilitate access.

The council is expected to vote on the project soon, with the applicant prepared to present further details. The outcome will determine whether this warehouse development will proceed, potentially reshaping the industrial landscape of Redlands.