Bloomington, California, a tight-knit community located 60 miles east of Los Angeles, finds itself embroiled in a constant battle against the influx of warehouse developments. Residents have long fought to protect their land, homes, and health from the sprawling industrial complexes that have taken over surrounding ranches and farmland. However, their efforts seem futile as plans proceed to demolish Bloomington’s elementary school and hundreds of homes to make room for a massive 213-acre business park, marking one of the area’s largest warehouse projects to date.
The story of Bloomington reflects a larger trend seen across America, where the boom in warehouse construction comes at the expense of local communities. Issues such as increased truck traffic, pollution, and loss of agricultural land have become common concerns for residents living near these massive industrial operations. In California’s Inland Empire alone, the number of warehouses has doubled since 1993, covering 1.5 billion square feet of land.
The surge in warehouse space nationwide has been accelerated by the sharp rise in online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Major corporations like Amazon and Walmart have expanded their operations to meet the growing demand for next-day delivery services, leading to the construction of enormous warehouse facilities, some spanning up to 1.5 million square feet.
The environmental impact of warehouse growth has not gone unnoticed, with concerns raised about air quality, health issues, and the loss of farmland. Organizations like the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice have been at the forefront of opposition to new developments, citing the disproportionate effects on disadvantaged communities in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
One resident, Amparo Muñoz, experienced firsthand the negative consequences of having an Amazon warehouse built near her home in Fontana. She noticed a decline in air quality, leading to health issues for herself and her son, ultimately resulting in asthma diagnoses. Stories like Muñoz’s underscore the urgency to address the health risks associated with living near warehouse complexes.
Opponents of warehouse developments continue to rally against plans for additional warehouse space, such as those proposed by billionaire couple Stewart and Lynda Resnick in Shafter, California. The transformation of farmland into industrial hubs raises concerns about health, environmental impacts, and disruptions to local communities.
As warehouse projects expand into different regions, such as Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, similar challenges arise regarding land use, traffic congestion, and air pollution. The pushback from residents and activists reflects a growing awareness of the need to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability in these rapidly changing landscapes.
Despite the promises of economic prosperity that come with warehouse projects, recent data suggests a shift in demand, with some businesses vacating warehouse spaces and a decline in warehouse jobs in certain areas. The evolving landscape of warehouse development underscores the complex challenges faced by communities like Bloomington as they navigate the trade-offs between growth and environmental well-being.