Moreno Valley Considers Construction Of 40-Million Square-Foot Logistics Facility

MORENO VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — For the third consecutive night, the Moreno Valley City Council discussed a proposal to construct a "mega-warehouse".

One group wants the World Logistics Center, a 40-million square-foot facility, to be built on Gilman Springs Rd., south of the 60 freeway, but the initiative is facing plenty of opposition.

Emotions ran high at Wednesday night's meeting on the matter, which has run slower than expected, due in part to a presentation from the developer touching on what is being called the largest environmental impact report in the world. The presentation sparked questions from public and council alike.

While a number of groups oppose the development, due to traffic and pollution from thousands of big rigs and cars coming and going from the large business park, which is the size of 700 football fields, others suggest the city needs jobs.

"I'm very concerned how that's going to impact the quality of life in Moreno Valley, the air quality and the noise and traffic congestion," non-supporter Susan Billinger said.

Supporters argue that the new technology and laws would prevent traffic tie ups and pollution.

"We're always going to have trucks, but the one nice thing about trucks is they are better built (today), better equipment that burns less fuel," supporter Rafael Brugueras said. "We will finally be recognized as a city."

While the council was initially expected to vote on the matter on Wednesday night, the meeting was likely to carry on into Tuesday. If approved, the project would still take place after several years of preparations.