Palm Springs city council sends recommendations to tribe over controversial warehouse project
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - A major warehouse proposal on tribal land drew demonstrators Wednesday as the Palm Springs City Council voted to send a report of concerns and recommendations to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Dozens of demonstrators rallied outside City Hall ahead of the meeting, opposing the tribe’s proposed 217-acre Desert Mountain View Business Park. The project — planned between Highway 111 and Interstate 10 — would create a massive complex at the gateway into Palm Springs.
The Oswit Land Trust led the protest, arguing the review process was being rushed and that the project raises significant environmental and infrastructure concerns — including air pollution, potential harm to endangered species, and increased traffic congestion.
"Six days ago what the first time we learned about this project from the city when they posted it on the agenda -- it seems to be the first time the city council learned about it. Yet, there are thousands of pages to analyze."
Geoff Kors, Oswit Land Trust Board of Directors
During the meeting, opponents urged the council to reject the project. The council voting to compile a report with recommendations and send it to the tribe, along with a formal request for a joint meeting early next year to discuss concerns and needed infrastructure improvements.
Kors said that while the tribe has final authority over the project, it remains essential that they take community concerns seriously.
"There voice is important and we want to do everything we can to give the city council the information they need to make a smart decision and hopefully meet with the tribe to talk and address all these impacts."
Geoff Kors, Oswit Land Trust Board of Directors
The meeting also included a leadership change at City Hall: Councilmember Naomi Soto was sworn in as the new mayor of Palm Springs, succeeding Mayor Ron deHarte, who will continue representing District 3.
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