Fresno City Council denies development plans for south central area [Video]

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Neighborhoods and businesses in the heavily industrialized area of south Fresno won’t see big manufacturing projects roll into their community, for now.

Fresno City council members heard passionate pleas from residents Thursday about potential development plans in an area that was previously the North Avenue Industrial Triangle.

“I’m here to oppose environmental racism that has caused the south side of Fresno to be breathing in more polluted air than the rest of the city,” said Nayamia Martinez with the Central CA Environmental Network.

In 2019, it was renamed the South Central Specific Plan.

“Historically speaking, south central is a place where it was designated to be a rural residential. Many families built their homes trying to get away from the city,” said Fresno City Council member Miguel Arias.

Over time, the city and the county rezoned that area to be heavily industrial for big job centers, big distribution centers, big …