Residents of Hemet voiced strong opposition to proposed warehouse developments during a recent city council meeting, citing concerns over environmental impacts, traffic congestion, and declining property values. The meeting highlighted a growing trend among nearby cities, such as Beaumont and Fontana, which have begun rejecting warehouse projects due to similar concerns.

Community members expressed alarm over the Inland Empire's status as having the worst ozone levels in the country, with one resident presenting a report titled \"A Region in Crisis.\" They emphasized the need for the city to prioritize higher-paying jobs in technology and biomedical sectors rather than low-wage warehouse positions, which average around $19.10 per hour for part-time work.

Speakers, including residents from the Solera Diamond Valley community, articulated fears that the influx of warehouses would lead to increased air pollution, noise, and traffic, ultimately driving down property values and deterring new home developments. One resident described the potential for Hemet to become a \"diesel death zone,\" referencing the negative impacts seen in other cities that have embraced similar projects.

Several attendees called for a moratorium on warehouse construction, urging the council to take time to assess the long-term implications of such developments. They highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements to accommodate heavy truck traffic and the detrimental effects on local roads.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among residents that warehouses do not belong in their community, advocating for a shift towards more sustainable and community-friendly economic opportunities. The city council is now faced with the challenge of balancing economic development with the concerns of its constituents.