The Riverside County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on November 5, 2024, where significant discussions centered around a proposed zoning change for a nearly 10-acre property in Mead Valley. The property owner, represented by a family-owned company from Santa Fe Springs, has owned the land since 2006 and is seeking to rezone it from residential to industrial use.

The applicant presented a detailed overview of the project, highlighting the industrial character of the surrounding area, which includes several large industrial developments and a planned public trail. They emphasized the potential economic benefits, including the creation of approximately 150 construction jobs and over 100 permanent jobs, along with improvements to local infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, and utility lines.

Support for the project was voiced by several community members, including local realtors and property owners, who argued that the area is no longer suitable for residential development due to its proximity to industrial sites and major roadways. They expressed confidence in the applicant's commitment to being a long-term community partner.

However, opposition was also strong, particularly from residents concerned about the environmental impact and the encroachment of industrial development into residential areas. Critics raised issues regarding noise, traffic, and potential harm to local wildlife, citing the presence of endangered species nearby. They called for more stringent development standards and expressed a desire for alternative projects that would better serve the community's needs.

The board discussed the implications of the proposed zoning change, noting that this meeting was not an approval of the project itself but rather a step in the process to evaluate its feasibility. The discussion highlighted the ongoing tension between industrial development and residential community interests in Riverside County.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the complexity of the situation, balancing economic development with community concerns, and indicated that further discussions and evaluations would be necessary as the project moves forward.