After 4½ hours of City Council meetings reviewing the revised Crossroads Specific Plan proposed by a private developer, the council decided to delay their decision. The revisions were only received the day before the meeting, leaving insufficient time for proper review.

As someone advocating for community wellness, I was alarmed to learn there were additional revisions the public hadn’t been made aware of. This lack of transparency is concerning. It limits citizens’ ability to fully understand the proposal, gather their thoughts, and make their voices heard.

Another point of concern: very few Banning residents attended the meeting, while the developer was represented by 15 team members and a union crew of 30–40 advocating for this industrial development. We need strong in-person community engagement, no matter the outcome. We cannot allow a developer to railroad a plan that doesn’t fit our community.

This decision is not a win yet, but it is progress. It shows the council’s commitment to consider the community’s best interests—but only if we actively engage, attend meetings, share information, and submit comments.

If you haven’t yet reached out to the council, now is the time. I will also share the updated proposal as soon as it becomes public so we can all review it together. Transparency is essential, and we must insist that all revisions be made clear to the public before any decisions are made.

Let’s come together and fight for our community’s common good!