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Resident warns of 4 million‑square‑foot warehouse plan; Chamber touts scholarships, events
Summary
In public comment, Bill Thomas warned that an estimated 4,000,000 square feet of warehousing near Singleton Road could shift retail activity away from Calimesa; Tony of the Calimesa Chamber of Commerce highlighted upcoming events, staffing changes and scholarship plans.
At the March 16 meeting, public commentators raised local economic concerns and thanked the city for support of community programs.
Bill Thomas (speaker 3) introduced himself as a Calimesa resident of 43 years and urged the council to consider the long‑term effects of recent land‑use changes around Singleton Road. Thomas said an estimated "approximately 4,000,000 square feet" of warehouse construction planned in the area could divert retail sales out of the city and reduce local retail tax revenue, and he urged councilmembers to be "visionaries" about future land use.
Howard Reeves (speaker 4) thanked the council and staff for support of a new youth baseball and softball league, praised volunteers and described lively opening ceremonies that included the fire department and community participants.
Tony (speaker 7), representing the Calimesa Chamber of Commerce, reported on chamber activities and events: a breakfast meeting April 14 at Cafe Royale (networking at 7:30 a.m., presentation after 8 a.m.), a May 12 mayor’s breakfast, a scholarship tea in May (he estimated five or six scholarships), and participation at the regional Scottish festival at the Calimesa Event Center. Tony also noted chamber staffing changes, plans to upgrade social media through Constant Contact and an approximate membership count of 125–130.
No formal council action was required on the public comments; staff and councilmembers acknowledged the speakers and thanked volunteers.
