Developer pulls plans for major distribution center in Palm Springs

The original plan for a 148 acre plot of undeveloped land south Interstate 10 near near Whitewater was to build a 1.4 million square foot distribution center depicted in s rendering provided by the developer.

"While the property is zoned for commercial uses, there are concerns relative to the proximity to the conservation area," said Flinn Fagg, Development Services Director for the City of Palm Springs. 

But late Wednesday afternoon, the developer, Texas-based Transwestern Development Company informed News Channel 3 they're withdrawing their plan from the city for the Whitewater Fulfillment Center.  

A company representative said they want to "seek further community and city input on the proposed project", which is already opposed by a valley environmental group.

"Sometimes when people look at our desert, they think it's just desert.  What they don't realize is that it's a living breathing ecological system," said Jane Garrison, President of Oswit Land Trust. 

The initial plan was scheduled to be reviewed Wednesday afternoon by the Palm Springs Planning Commission.

Flinn Fagg, the city's Development Services Director says hurdles to be cleared in order for the project to eventually move forward, assuming new plans are submitted, include a zoning change for the parcel, an amendment to the general plan and an environmental impact report.

In the initial plan submitted to the city, the developer said the facility would be "state of the art" and create "thousands of jobs" for the community.

"All these big companies need distribution centers.  There is not enough of them.  If they build it the business will come," said Palm Sprigs resident Terry Butler, who was cycling near the site. 

If Transwestern submits a revised project plan to the city, Fagg says the approval process could take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

There is no word from Transwestern Development Company on how and when they'll seek community input on the project. 

The company is also not providing a date by when they might resubmit plans for review.