Wonderful Co. Proposes Major Expansion of Industrial Warehousing in Shafter, California
The Resnick family, known for their successful farming empire, is making waves in Kern County with their proposal to expand industrial warehousing in Shafter, California. This expansion could potentially transform the economy in the southern San Joaquin Valley, creating a new frontier for industrial-scale warehousing.
The Wonderful Co., owned by Stewart and Lynda Resnick, is looking to capitalize on the rise of online shopping by more than doubling the size of their industrial park in Shafter. This expansion involves converting almond groves into additional warehousing space and investing in costly infrastructure projects to mitigate the impacts of the growth.
While the influx of mega-warehouses in other parts of California has led to concerns about truck traffic and air quality, Wonderful insists that their vision for the industrial park is different. They aim to create a job creator in a region that has been hit hard by economic shifts in agriculture and oil.
The proposed expansion includes plans for a new highway to ease traffic, an inland rail terminal to reduce truck traffic, and a focus on creating higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs. The company is also investing in training programs to prepare workers for these new roles.
However, not everyone is on board with the expansion. Some residents are concerned about the potential negative impacts on health and the environment that could come with increased truck and train traffic. Organizations like the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment are advocating for community benefits agreements to ensure that residents benefit from the project beyond just job creation.
Overall, the expansion of industrial warehousing in Shafter has the potential to bring significant changes to the region. With careful planning and consideration for the community, this project could create new opportunities for residents and establish Kern County as a hub for the global goods movement.