Judge halts construction of proposed Costco in northwest Fresno, environmental group expresses satisfaction
Costco Project in Northwest Fresno on Hold Due to Legal and Environmental Concerns
The proposed Costco project in northwest Fresno, located near Herndon and Riverside avenues, is currently on hold following a judge's ruling that found the City's approval violated state environmental laws.
The judge's ruling, which has halted the project, focuses on the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and zoning issues related to a "last-mile" delivery warehouse on the site. The City of Fresno has been ordered to redo the EIR to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and until a revised report is approved, the project remains on hold.
The project, which had received full city approval after an extensive four-year public process, faced challenges from environmental groups. The groups focused on air pollution and zoning concerns, and while most claims were dismissed, the judge sided with the plaintiffs on the environmental review and zoning issues.
The Costco development would have included one of the company's largest warehouses at 219,000 square feet, along with a 32-pump gas station, a car wash, and about 1,000 parking spaces.
Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi has indicated that the city can appeal the judge's decision or consider rezoning the property to address the zoning conflicts raised by the court. However, there is concern that if Fresno does not successfully move forward, Costco might consider relocating the project to neighboring Madera County.
The potential loss of Costco in Fresno could affect the city's ability to fund infrastructure projects like fixing potholes, paying for police officers and firefighters, and maintaining parks. Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi expressed disappointment but noted the potential for appeal or rezoning the property.
The Herndon-Riverside Coalition for Responsible Planning and Development, which sued the city over zoning and environmental concerns weeks after the initial approval, continues to impact the Costco project. The coalition insists that the project, as currently proposed, would have negative effects on the community and the environment.
The city is under pressure to address the issues that led to the judge's rejection of the Costco project. Mayor Jerry Dyer is considering all legal options to make the Costco project happen. Costco representatives met with the city council twice in 2024 to push for the project's approval.
It is important to note that Costco cannot comment on the current situation. The city has an opportunity to address and correct the issues that led to the judge's rejection, potentially securing the project for Fresno and its residents.
In summary, the Costco project in northwest Fresno is currently on hold due to a judge's ruling requiring a new Environmental Impact Report and resolution of zoning issues. The city can choose to appeal the ruling, redo the EIR, or attempt rezoning the property to comply with environmental and zoning laws. If Fresno does not successfully move forward, Costco might consider relocating the project to neighboring Madera County, which could have significant economic and infrastructure implications for the city.
- The legal and environmental concerns surrounding the Costco project in northwest Fresco have extended to other business sectors, as investors are closely watching its progression, given its potential impact on retail and real-estate industries.
- Financial analysts predict that the prolonged delay in the Costco project could strain the city's budget, as funding for infrastructure projects such as the maintenance of parks, the addition of police officers, and the payment of firefighters may become challenging.
- Despite the current setbacks, other businesses within the industry are looking for opportunities to invest in Fresno, sensible of its potential growth potential and strategic location, which offers a unique set of advantages in terms of access to major transportation hubs and a growing customer base.
