‘Regrets’ County OK of Industry Project

As reported, the county Board of Supervisors approved the City of Industry’s request to include an undeveloped 600-acre site into the city’s redevelopment project area (Times, April 6).

The action paves the way for Industry to proceed with the commercial redevelopment of this vacant piece of property.

As a Diamond Bar resident, I am writing to express my regret over the action. Development could exacerbate traffic problems and create a financial burden on neighboring cities.

The proposal calls for construction of 7.2 million square feet of commercial facilities. Based on an environmental impact report prepared for the city, more than 15,000 jobs would be created.

However, the report does not contain any strategy to alleviate the spillover effects of such a huge development on other areas. Industry does not exist in a vacuum. It is surrounded by fast growing communities--Diamond Bar, Walnut, Pomona and Covina.

The proposed development calls for the extension of Grand Avenue. A study prepared for the county projects that the extension would generate use by more than 38,100 vehicles, which would be more than 127% of the road’s designated capacity!

The county, the Walnut Unified District, Mt. San Antonio Community College and Pomona Unified School District have negotiated financial arrangements with Industry to mitigate potential fiscal impacts of the development.

I think the Board of Supervisors should rescind its decision until Industry prepares a report on how other cities would be affected financially and suggests how such things as increased traffic and population should be dealt with. In addition, a commission of area cities should be appointed to determine what the fiscal impact on each city would be.

KOFI SEFA-BOAKYE

Diamond Bar