One of Torrance's largest pending industrial developments is beginning to attract serious public attention.

Prologis is proposing a major warehouse and logistics development near Del Amo Boulevard and Prairie Avenue, on a site encompassing roughly 31 acres.

City planning documents identify the proposal as the Prologis Del Amo and Prairie Center Project, and Torrance has prepared a full Environmental Impact Report examining its potential effects.

The project would replace existing conditions on the property with a large modern industrial development containing nearly 400,000 square feet of warehouse space.

And unlike many routine development applications, this one required a comprehensive environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.

The City's project file includes studies covering:

• Air quality
• Biological resources
• Greenhouse-gas emissions
• Noise
• Vehicle miles traveled
• Health risks
• Hydrology
• Cultural resources
• Geotechnical conditions
• Stormwater impacts
•  

Why Residents Are Paying Attention

The size and location of the development have prompted concerns from some nearby residents about increased truck traffic, pollution and the loss of remaining open land.

Environmental concerns have also become part of the discussion.

The project's biological review examines habitat and species potentially present on the site, while opponents have specifically raised concerns about several sensitive species, including native bumblebees and the California legless lizard.

At the August 19 Planning Commission meeting, the project attracted substantial public interest. Residents participating in the discussion reported that the hearing was continued to September 16, meaning the proposal remains unresolved and will return for additional consideration.

The City itself continues to maintain a dedicated project page containing the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Reports, architectural plans, mitigation documents and supporting studies.

Why This One Matters

Torrance has a long industrial history, and industrial development remains an important part of the city's economy.

But this proposal sits at the intersection of several issues residents increasingly care about: development, truck traffic, air quality, open space and the environmental impacts of large logistics facilities.

That makes the upcoming September hearing worth watching closely.

The project has not yet reached a final approval, and the additional hearing gives both supporters and opponents another opportunity to weigh in before the Planning Commission decides what happens next.

Next Hearing: Expected Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 p.m.
Where: LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber, 3031 Torrance Blvd.

Article Link: Explore the Prologis Del Amo and Prairie Center Project