Local developer asks Indio Planning Commissioner to recuse himself

A local developer is demanding a member of the Indio Planning Commission recuse himself from any additional votes on the developer’s projects.

A letter obtained by News Channel 3 where an attorney for Chandi Group USA accuses Commissioner Sam Torres of being biased against it.

Chandi Group has a number of projects in Indio including the AM/PM Golf Center Parkway development.

At a March 13 meeting, Torres voted against Chandi’s request for a conditional use permit for a ” place of worship ” on Atlantic Avenue near Jackson Street just north of Interstate 10.

” My concern with the city of Indio is if a person is a member of a particular group or organization or a major contributor we will then turn a blind eye to that group, ” Torres said during the meeting.

The March 13 vote on the place of worship was approved four to one, Torres was the only commissioner to vote against it.

Chandi’s letter to city hall outlined 7 examples of alleged harassment by Torres toward the group.

News Channel 3 reached out to Torres, but he hasn’t returned our requests for comment.