Residents of Ontario expressed strong opposition during a recent city council meeting regarding a proposed multi-dwelling construction project on Fifth Street. Community members have been attending meetings since March 2023, voicing concerns about the impact of the development, which is set to include 70 units. They argue that this high-density project will negatively affect their neighborhood, drawing parallels to the disruption caused by the nearby Walmart.

The city manager clarified that the council had previously rezoned the property for low-density development. However, a housing developer took advantage of state laws to secure a higher density designation. This situation has arisen amid California's push for increased housing development, which prioritizes property rights and limits local control over zoning decisions.

The council acknowledged the frustration of residents but emphasized that the state legislature's recent legislation, specifically SB 330, has restricted local authority in these matters. As a result, the city is unable to simply redirect developers to other available land. The discussion highlighted the complexities of housing development in Ontario and the challenges faced by local governments in balancing community concerns with state mandates.