Fresno Coca-Cola Warehouse Project Faces Opposition

The Fresno Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss approval of a warehouse in the south part of the city, at East and North avenues. Opponents have filed an appeal.

Lone Oak Fresno LLC wants to build a 15-acre facility that will house a Coca-Cola bottling plant, as well as office space, and a truck maintenance and wash facility. The area is already zoned for heavy industrial use. Currently, the area is vacant land.

Related Story: Fresno Planning Commission OKs New Coca-Cola Distribution Plant

Staff is recommending the planning commission deny the appeal and approve the project.

Members of community advocacy groups South Fresno Community Alliance and Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability wrote in an appeal that the area is already one “of the most pollution overburdened communities.”

“This proposed project will have significant negative impacts to the residents of the City and County of Fresno due to the increase of heavy industrial uses and increased heavy duty truck traffic. The decision to approve this permit application will perpetuate the citing of heavy industrial uses near communities of color,” the groups wrote.

Proposed location for warehouse. (GVWire)

The city has faced opposition from environmental groups about how to handle industrial sites in the south end of the city. Last year, state Attorney General Rob Bonta sent the city a letter questioning approval processes for another facility.

Bonta also sent the county a letter, questioning zoning of a nearby area zoned for industrial.

The planning commission meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 1) at City Hall.

Related Story: State AG Bonta Tells Fresno to Halt Southwest Industrial Rezone

Valley Congressmen Receive Committee Assignments

Committees have been assigned to the Central Valley delegation in the 118th Congress.

Jim Costa, D-Fresno

• Agriculture.
• Natural Resources (subcommittee: Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries).

John Duarte, R-Modesto

• Agriculture.
• Natural Resources.
• Transportation & Infrastructure.

Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield

• The Speaker of the House does not serve on committees.

Tom McClintock, R-Roseville

• Budget
• Judiciary (subcommittees: chair of Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement; Constitution and Limited Government).
• Natural Resources.

David Valadao, R-Hanford

• Appropriations (subcommittees: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies).
• Budget.