Thermal Ranch Update

Thermal Ranch update:  The 619 acre equestrian facility, planned for 62nd ave. in the eastern Coachella Valley is rolling along to final approval.  The project offers equestrian facilities, which will bring in seasonal jobs during the horseshow season, along with a hotel, retail spaces and some new infrastructure including a utility substation.  If you are looking to buy  or sell equestrian properties in the Coachella Valley, give local equestrian and realtor, Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.

PROPOSED APPLICATION

The proposed project consists of applications for an Agricultural Foundation General Plan Amendment (GPA No. 230001), Change of Zone (CZ2300003), Tentative Tract Map (TTM38578), and Plot Plans (PPT230005, PPT230006, PPT2400016). The applications seek to establish a Specific Plan on a 619.1 acre area that consists of 223.1 acres for Equestrian Center, 194.3 acres of Very Low Density Residential, 69.5 acres of Medium High Density Residential, 18.3 acres of High Density Residential, 77.2 acres of Commercial Tourist, and 21.4 acres of Commercial Retail.

Overall the Specific Plan proposes a total maximum of 1,362 dwelling units, 320 RV spaces, and 285,000 sq. ft. of commercial building area. The Specific Plan is oriented around an equestrian center with supporting and ancillary residential and commercial uses. The General Plan Amendment is a proposal to establish the Specific Plan within the General Plan and modify the land use designations of the General Plan to match those as proposed by the Specific Plan (SP00401).

Many Thermal residents argue that the benefits don’t outweigh their environmental and health concerns due to runoff fears, more traffic, dust in the air which worsens air quality.