Will Oliver, CEO of the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, speaks to the Fresno City Council on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2024. Photo via Fresno Chamber

After five tension-filled years for the development community, the Fresno City Council officially rejected the South Central Specific Plan in a 6-0 vote during Thursday’s meeting.

Councilmember Nelson Esparza was the only councilmember not to cast a vote due to a conflict of interest. Esparza received a campaign contribution from someone who publicly opposed the plan, reported Fresnoland.

The plan’s goal was to address land use and industrial zoning in south Fresno by reducing industrial land use by 17%. Some of the industrial areas would have been converted to residential and commercial uses. 

No one spoke in support of the plan, Fresnoland reported, with several environmental advocates and south central Fresno resident arguing it didn’t go far enough to mitigate the environmental impacts of industrial development.

Business owners were concerned the plan would limit future development opportunities and raise costs. 

Will Oliver, CEO of the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, shared his enthusiasm for the council’s decision Friday. 

“We commend the Council for for their leadership on this topic and rejecting the South Central specific plan as proposed, and directing staff to explore different options in the future,” he said.

Oliver added that he is hopeful the city can draft a zoning plan that works for the entire community. 

“I think this will establish a really good basis to create innovative policies that align with state regulations, that strengthen our competitiveness regionally and across the western United States, and also promote sustainable growth for the benefit of the entire Fresno community,” Oliver said. 

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said the plan as drafted wouldn’t address the needs of community as a whole.

“The last five years have brought significant shifts in our community’s needs, economic landscape, and priorities. What might have worked when this plan was drafted is no longer adequate for where we are today,” Mayor Dyer stated during the council session, reported the Fresno Chamber.

Other voices from the business community speaking against the South Central Specific Plan include Mike Betts of The Betts Co.; Ethan Smith of Newmark Pearson Commercial; McKay Duran from the Central California Food Bank; local attorney John Kinsey and many others, reported the Chamber.