Current Events in the World of Industrial Property

The Banning City Council on Tuesday night signed off on a planned business park.

Council members unanimously approved the design plans, an environmental report and a tentative parcel map, which calls for constructing 12 buildings on 64 vacant acres northeast of Hathaway and Nicolet streets. The buildings will be for manufacturing, warehouses and offices.

Greg Chila from OSI Partnership I LLC, the property owner, described the design as state-of-the-art and said these won’t be metal warehouses.

The Banning Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve the development.

The development has the potential to generate 430 jobs, according to Community Development Director Zai Abu Baker.

“It looks like it’s going to be a good shot in the arm for our city,” said Councilwoman Debbie Franklin.

Franklin did note a failed business development on Lincoln Street south of Interstate 10 where the developer stopped construction before completing the project. She said she doesn’t want to see a repeat situation.

Chila said, “Our intent is to secure a tenant first before we build a building.” He said they will be doing some initial cleanup work at the site to attract tenants.

The developer is required to make certain street improvements, such as extending Nicolet to the east and widening Hathaway in front of the development. For other improvements, such as the installation of traffic signals, the developer will pay its fair share.

A plan to minimize diesel pollution is required, as well.

Former Mayor Don Smith said he supports this project. He said Banning needs development, light manufacturing and jobs.

Reach Erin Waldner at 951-763-3473 or ewaldner@PE.com