During the Tulare City Planning Commission meeting on November 25, 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed zoning amendment that could impact the Matheny Tract community. Advocates from the Center for Community Justice and Neighborhoods (CCJN) voiced strong opposition to the approval of Zone Amendment Number 756, which aims to update the zoning ordinance.

The Matheny Tract, identified as a disadvantaged area, faces numerous environmental challenges, including high pollution levels and inadequate infrastructure. The community is predominantly composed of people of color and has been heavily affected by industrial activities, such as trucking and manufacturing. The speaker highlighted that Matheny Tract ranks in the 96th percentile for pollution in California, making it one of the most polluted areas in the state.

The CCJN representative emphasized the need for the city to prioritize the health and well-being of residents when making zoning decisions. They pointed out that the community already suffers from elevated rates of asthma, cardiovascular issues, and low birth weights among infants, all of which are exacerbated by the existing environmental conditions. The speaker urged the Planning Commission to consider the long-term implications of the zoning changes, arguing that they could further concentrate industrial land uses in an area that is already burdened by pollution.

Additionally, the community's recommendations for improving the zoning ordinance have reportedly been overlooked in the draft version. The speaker called for the Planning Commission to engage with residents and incorporate their feedback to ensure that future developments do not compromise the quality of life for those living in Matheny Tract.

As the meeting concluded, the discussions underscored the ongoing struggle for environmental justice in Tulare, highlighting the urgent need for policies that protect vulnerable communities from further environmental degradation. The Planning Commission's decision on the zoning amendment will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how the city addresses the needs of its most disadvantaged residents.