Facts

The City of Moreno Valley approved developer Highland Fairview's application for the World Logistics Center Project, which is a freight and warehouse facility that would include up to 40.6 million square feet of building area, and sits on approximately 2,610 acres of land south of State Route 60 and north of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Several environmental groups sued Highland Fairview and the City challenging the development of the Project.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that the Project will pose an environmental risk to the surrounding area. Plaintiffs contended that the Project will impact the wildlife near the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Plaintiffs contended that the Project will destroy air quality.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all of the contentions.

Result

Highland Fairview agreed to invest up to $47 million in order to reduce the Project's carbon footprint. Highland Fairview will use electric vehicles, and will install rooftop solar on the warehouse facilities. It also agreed to reduce the impacts of the facility on the nearby community by using low-level lighting, staggered landscaping, and to provide funding for sound mitigation for nearby homes. Further, up to $4 million of the settlement would be invested in conservation efforts to protect the San Jacinto Wildlife area.