The residents of South El Monte are writing this petition out of deep concern for our beloved community. Many of us have grown up and are raising our children and recently, a warehouse development project has been proposed on Lexington-Gallatin that threatens to significantly impact our health and well-being.

This new project, aimed at establishing an industrial warehouse facility, is set to be constructed alarmingly close to a residential and school area. Numerous studies have shown that proximity to such industrial activities can elevate exposure to pollutants, profoundly affecting air quality and increasing health risks such as respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining safe distances between industrial sites and residential areas to safeguard public health.

Beyond the immediate health concerns, there is an undeniable impact on our quality of life. Property values are expected to decline, and the noise pollution will disrupt our everyday lives, affecting our ability to enjoy our homes and our environment. The character of our community, which we have cherished for generations, stands to be irrevocably altered. Moreover, we have an obligation to think about the future generations, our children and grandchildren, who will inherit the consequences of the decisions we make today. Can we justify exposing them to potential health hazards and a diminished quality of life, all in the name of progress?

The Environmental Gap: 
The recent Environmental Impact Report shows that this project exceeds local safety thresholds by over 4,900 metric tons. Even after "mitigation" (cleanup steps), the pollution levels remain nearly 3x higher than the recommended limit.

• What is Mitigation? It is "cleanup" actions that help reduce the impact, like adding solar panels or planting trees. It is intended to lower a project's carbon footprint.
• What is the Threshold? Imagine a "pollution speed limit." It is the maximum amount of emissions a project can produce before it is considered a significant threat to the environment.

Failure of Notice and Due Process: 
Residents directly impacted by this project (Lexham Ave., Fawcett Ave., Farmer Ave., Andrews St.) were not provided adequate notice or a meaningful opportunity to be heard prior to project approval. This raises serious concerns regarding compliance with California Government Code 65090-65094 (public notice requirements). 

CEQA Compliance & Public Safety Concerns: 

• Exceeding a 3,000-ton limit by such a large margin (hitting 7,928 tons) suggests a level of activity that can be felt daily
• Increases flood risk and drainage impacts
• Traffic and noise impacts from heavy-duty truck operations 24/7
• Elevated exposure to pollutants that profoundly affect air quality (in addition to the 60 freeway)
• Cumulative impacts to an already heavily burdened residential area
• Creates hazardous conditions for pedestrians, students, children, and local residents with diesel trucks idling
• Significantly increase heavy truck traffic on residential streets not designed for such use 

While development and progress are essential, they should never come at the cost of our health and the environment. Alternatives exist, including implementing more sustainable methods or choosing locations that do not endanger community health. These are responsible development practices that can protect our community while still fostering economic growth.

We urge the South El Monte City Council and stakeholders to reconsider this project and to work towards a solution that respects and protects the health and well-being of the residents.

Our plea is simple: listen to the voices of the residents who will be most impacted, prioritize our health, and safeguard the environment for the generations to come.

"We deserve to breathe fresh air too." - Fawcett Ave. Resident

Please join us in stopping this harmful warehouse project by signing this petition. Stand with us to protect our health, our homes, and our future.