Warehouse Expansion and Community Health Impacts

Spoke on behalf of the Inland Empire Labor Institute against the warehouse extensions, highlighting low wages, high injury rates, and pollution affecting local families.

Expressed support for logistics as part of the regional economy given local infrastructure like the airport and rail depot, while acknowledging environmental concerns.

Urged the commission to oppose the conditional use permit extension, citing studies on over-concentration of warehouses and health risks to children near the Head Start school.

Highlighted a lack of basic infrastructure like sidewalks and roads in Highland, arguing that more warehouses worsen traffic and health conditions.

Shared concerns about increased asthma rates and truck traffic in residential neighborhoods due to warehouse developments.

Noted the visible air pollution in the basin and questioned why developers need multi-year extensions when buildings sit empty.

Argued that local roads are not built for heavy truck traffic and described dangerous working conditions in warehouses.

Shared experiences as a warehouse worker regarding grueling labor, low pay, and health risks from increased pollution.

Pointed out that many warehouses in the corridor are vacant and criticized the applicant for waiting until the last minute to request an extension.

Discussed severe potholes and road damage caused by heavy trucks on 5th and 3rd streets and urged protection of community needs.

Argued that warehouse jobs do not pay living wages and that diesel truck traffic worsens air pollution.

Called the approval of warehouses 'slow violence' against local neighborhoods and urged commissioners to invest in quality of life.

Expressed concern over a 'school-to-warehouse pipeline' that limits children's aspirations and lacks green spaces.

Shared difficulties walking safely with family members due to big rig trucks barreling down streets without sidewalks.

Testified in Spanish regarding the lack of streetlights, sidewalks, and clean air, demanding no more extensions for polluting warehouses.

Stated he has lived near the airport for 40 years without seeing improvements like sidewalks and streetlights, only more warehouses.

Warned of safety risks and potential fire hazards from building warehouses near schools.

Demanded elected officials prioritize the Highland community and reject extensions for warehouses planned near schools.

Stated that residents are the ones affected by pollution and noise and demanded an end to warehouse approvals.

Criticized the lack of investment in minority neighborhoods compared to wealthier areas and spoke against warehouse conditions.

Criticized the commission's accountability to residents and questioned placing massive warehouses near Head Start schools.

Shared personal injuries sustained while working in warehouses and urged prioritizing community quality of life.

Expressed fear of permanent disability from warehouse work and pleaded against building another warehouse in the community.

Spoke regarding the displacement of residents and economic impacts of industrial zoning.

Reiterated concerns during the second item about listening to community voices over corporate interests.