The Amazon "FAT 1" distribution center in Fresno. Photo by Edward Smith

Nearing the two-year anniversary of a deal to bring a second Amazon facility to south central Fresno, the Fresno City Council on Thursday will weigh the creation of a fund to distribute money that would buffer homes in the area against harms associated with industrial development.

In March 2021, the Fresno City Council approved a development proposal from G4 Enterprises — the developer of multiple Amazon distribution facilities — that created a fund to mitigate environmental effects associated with trucks.

The $300,000 fund was designated to upgrade homes with better insulation, air filters, and in the case of homes that need them — air conditioning and double-pane windows, among other upgrades to reduce air, light and sound pollution.

Up to $10,000 will go to homes within a half-mile of North Pointe Business Park, whether they be renters or homeowners. There are 40 homes identified in the half-mile area, according to a staff report.

There are 150 homes affected by development, according to a previous interview with Ivanka Saunders, policy manager with Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability, one of the two community groups with which the agreement was made. The South Fresno Community Alliance was also a part of the agreement.

Calls made to Leadership Council as well as Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias were not returned.

Community groups had been opposed to a second Amazon development. Advocates say that without a South Central Specific Plan, the settlement was a way to bring residents’ concerns to the negotiating table.

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