The Palmdale City Council voted unanimously to adopt the Antelope Valley Commerce Center specific plan and associated approvals, including a zone change, general plan amendment, tentative parcel map, site plan review and a development agreement. The council also certified the project's environmental impact report and adopted a mitigation monitoring and reporting program along with a statement of overriding considerations for impacts that could not be mitigated to less‑than‑significant.

Megan Taggart, interim director of economic and community development, summarized the proposal as a master‑planned commerce center on approximately 432.9 acres at the southeast corner of Avenue M and Sierra Highway. The project shifts the site from an Office/Flex designation to Specific Plan and subdivides the site into 19 lots to allow phased build‑out. Phase 1 includes six buildings totaling about 2.4 million square feet of industrial space and associated improvements.

Taggart said the EIR was prepared and circulated under state law and that mitigation measures were included where possible; however, some impacts could not be reduced below significance and council was being asked to adopt a statement of overriding considerations as part of certification.

Several labor and construction representatives spoke in support during the public hearing and urged council approval. Speakers — including Amy Smith (CREED Los Angeles), Greg Lewis (Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 761), Jason Baez (Laborers International Union of North America), Crispin Carrasco (carpenter), Chuck Powell (Carpenters Local 661) and Norris Carter (Ironworkers Local 433) — emphasized commitments the applicant made to hire a local, skilled union workforce, provide living wages and benefits, and create construction and long‑term jobs for the community. The public comments focused on the project’s job creation, local hiring pledges and opportunities to reduce long commutes for Antelope Valley workers.

Councilmembers praised staff coordination and the developer's commitments to local labor. Councilmember Bishop singled out interim director Taggart for extensive outreach and coordination. The council then took a roll call vote to adopt the ordinance and resolution; votes were recorded as unanimous.

Ending: With approvals in place, phased development of the Antelope Valley Commerce Center can proceed under the specific plan; future phase‑level reviews and permits will follow the specific plan requirements and mitigation monitoring program.