The Perris City Council is considering approval of a large commercial project near Interstate 215 that supporters say could bring new shopping, sports fields and infrastructure investment to the city. But not all residents are convinced by the developer’s promises.
The Harvest Landing Project would convert 358 acres of land into a 300,000 square foot FedEx distribution hub alongside a large retail plaza. Developer Tim Howard of Howard Industrial Partners told the council that Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, Petco, Sam’s Club and Sprouts are among the companies who have issued letters of intent to move in once construction is complete.
Howard added that the FedEx hub will generate up to $150 million annually and create close to 900 jobs. He also said he’ll pay for $90 million in infrastructure improvements across Perris, build 600 housing units and help fund a 16.5 acre large sports complex.
“I’m not up here offering false promises,” Howard said during his presentation. “These are real letters of intent, and they’re waiting on your action this evening.”
Some of the project’s supporters include carpenters’ unions, the Perris Chamber of Commerce and local soccer clubs. “Looking at this project, I am super excited to have more space to coach these kids, to also not have to go out of our city to go to tournaments, and instead host them in our city,” said Fernando Gonzalez, a Perris resident and coach with the Kicks Football Club.
But critics argue Howard’s development track record raises concerns. Community and environmental justice groups pointed to one of his warehouse projects in Bloomington that was halted by a judge after the court found flaws in the project’s environmental impact report.
“We're promised balanced residential and commercial development. Instead, we're being asked to convert large portions of residential and commercial land into industrial use,” said Karla Cervantes, with the Sierra Club San Gorgonio chapter and the Inland Valley Coalition for Clean Air. “That's not preservation of housing capacity. That's a work around. If housing is truly the goal, then zone it residential.”
During the council debate, Councilmember Malcolm Corona asked Howard if he could “put on paper” a guarantee to complete the sports complex during the first phase of the project, and that other community benefits he has promised should be guaranteed. Corona also asked for guarantees for no large distribution centers as part of any future development within Harvest Landing. “I just don’t trust you bro,” Corona said to Howard. “So we’re going to have it in writing.”
Howard said he would agree to a covenant -- a written development agreement between the city of Perris and his company -- to not build any large distribution and logistics centers and that he was committed to prioritizing building the park.
“I understand that you want to have this in writing, and so do I,” said Howard.
Mayor Michael Vargas said residents have long asked for projects that would bring amenities and economic development to the area.
“This project has completely eliminated all the warehouses except for the hub,” said Vargas. “You all keep talking about ‘your community, your community.’ Well, the community is shouting out for everything that this man is willing to do. So let's move on with this project and get what all our community came up here and asked for.”
Before the project can move forward, the council must still finalize a development agreement outlining conditions and community benefits tied to the approval.
