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Residents and developers clash over Temescal Canyon interchange studies and proposed warehouse project
Summary
Riverside County approved technical studies and early-phase funding requests to advance Temescal Canyon/I‑15 interchange improvements despite heated public opposition centered on a proposed 6.3 million sq. ft. Serrano Commerce Center and worries about truck traffic, pollution and local impacts; staff said studies are needed regardless of the developer’s project.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved staff recommendations to move forward with planning studies and preliminary funding for interchange improvements at Temescal Canyon and Interstate 15, after a robust public hearing in which residents raised health, traffic and planning objections tied to the proposed Serrano Commerce Center warehouse development.
What transpired: County staff presented requests tied to Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) administration and a project study report (PSR) that would fund initial design and coordination with Caltrans on ramp and interchange improvements. Staff emphasized that the PSR and administrative funds are needed to move infrastructure planning forward whether or not any single private project proceeds.
Community concerns: Dozens of residents from Terramor and Temescal Valley testified that the outreach campaign from a developer‑backed group, "Temescal Together," mischaracterized the project and overstated benefits. Speakers warned a 6.3‑million‑square‑foot logistics center would bring thousands of truck trips and worsen air quality and safety near schools and mobile-home parks. One resident said, “The Lewis Group has promised ... a free lunch while ignoring all the strings attached,” and others called for a moratorium on warehouse approvals until traffic and pollution impacts are better understood.
Developer and staff response: The Lewis Group’s outreach consultant said more than 150 local petition signatures supported traffic relief and that the proposed design would relocate truck traffic to the east side of the freeway. County transportation staff explained TUMF and said developer funding would cover the PSR phase; Dennis Acuna, the county transportation director, noted the developer would pay study and design costs while the county could use TUMF for administrative and Caltrans coordination needs.
Board action: After extended questioning about TUMF mechanics, outreach and equity, supervisors voted to approve the PSR/administrative items (agenda items 3.51 and 3.61) as recommended. Board members said they recognized residents’ concerns and will continue community outreach and coordination with Caltrans and WRCOG on funding allocation.
Next steps: Staff will advance the PSR and work with Caltrans and WRCOG on any TUMF draws; the underlying Serrano Commerce Center entitlement remains a separate discretionary process and may still face further environmental and planning review before construction.
