Residents criticize misleading Newland Simpson Road project during Hemet city council meeting

The Hemet City Council meeting on March 25, 2024, featured significant discussions regarding local development projects and community concerns. Key topics included the controversial Newland Simpson Road project and the ongoing issues related to state-owned properties.

During the meeting, several residents expressed their opposition to the Newland Simpson Road project, which they described as a "massive warehouse project" requiring a zoning change. Speaker Roy Fails highlighted concerns about the project's potential impact on local traffic, noting that it could generate over 2,000 vehicle trips daily on an already congested road. He criticized the lack of transparency in the project's description, which he argued misled residents about its true nature. Fails emphasized that the city would face substantial costs for road repairs and upgrades, which the developers were unwilling to cover.

Another resident, Carl Barker, voiced his long-standing preference for living outside the city limits, citing past developments that negatively affected the area. He urged the council to consider the community's wishes in future planning decisions.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the management of Florida Avenue, a state-owned property. A speaker urged attendees to direct their frustrations toward state authorities rather than the city council, clarifying that the council had previously fought against state decisions affecting local infrastructure.

The council also received positive feedback for a proposal that would eliminate the need for press passes issued by the city, which was commended by community members for promoting transparency.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored ongoing tensions between development interests and community concerns in Hemet. The council's next steps will likely involve further discussions on the Newland Simpson Road project and continued engagement with residents regarding local development and infrastructure issues.