Exhibit W-1
Public Comments Package One
From:
Subject: RE: ID 23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:58:25 AM
Attachments:
One additional letter. Thank you!
From: Steven Martinez
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:56 AM
To: Briana Parra Israel Trejo Clerk
Cc: Todd Stermer Mary Quinn Clerk
Agendas
Subject: RE: ID 23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Yes please, combined with the eight letters Israel provided.
Thank You.
Steven Martinez | Planner
Current Planning | Planning & Development
2600 Fresno Street | Fresno CA 93721
From: Briana Parra gov>
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:54 AM
To: Steven Martinez Israel Trejo Clerk
Cc: Todd Stermer Mary Clerk
Agendas
Subject:
RE: ID 23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Hi Steven,
You are asking that this attachment be included in the public comment packet, correct?
Briana Parra, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
From: Steven Martinez
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:42 AM
To:
Israel Trejo ; Clerk
Cc: Todd Stermer Briana Parra
Subject:
RE: ID 23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Can I please also have this note about a call in support of the project added?
Thank You.
Steven Martinez | Planner
Current Planning | Planning & Development
2600 Fresno Street | Fresno CA 93721
From: Israel Trejo >
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:38 AM
To:
Clerk
Cc: Todd Stermer ; Briana Parra ; Steven
Martinez
Subject:
ID 23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Good morning,
To be included in the project record, please see attached letters of support relative to the Scannell project scheduled for City Council this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Thank you.
1. Imperial Electric
2. Colliers International
3. Fresno Chamber of Commerce
4. Wiebe Hinton Hambalek, LLC
5. Noble Credit Union
6. Community Health System
7. San Joaquin Manufacturing Alliance
8. EDC President
Israel Trejo | Planning Manager
Current Planning | Planning & Development
2600 Fresno Street | Fresno CA 93721
Resources: Planning & Development | GIS Data Hub – Interactive Zoning Map | Fresno Municipal Code
Accela Citizens Access (ACA) Online Plans/Permits/Inspections | ACA Instruction Videos
December 11th, 2023
Jennifer Clark, Planning Director
City of Fresno
Department of Planning and Development
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Dear Director Clark:
On behalf of AG Machining (AGM), I would like to extend our support for Scannell Properties’ proposed industrial development in Fresno. We also submit this letter from the vantage point of a local manufacturer who experienced the lack of building availability firsthand during our previous site selection process in the Central Valley.
AGM is a second-generation family-owned metal fabrication shop that has become an international leader in the design, and manufacturing of data cabinets and cable support accessories, providing solutions for clients in the network and communications infrastructure industry. Today, our customer base includes companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants. For over a decade, we operated out of Moorpark, California, but facing rising costs near the end of our lease term, we began looking at acquiring property in a more cost-competitive area, such as the Central Valley. While we considered Fresno as one of our most viable relocation options, ultimately, we were unable to find a suitable industrial space to set up our operations and decided instead on a 150,000 square foot site in nearby Madera County.
Since our initial site search, the City of Fresno’s industrial vacancy rates continued to decline. Due to our square footage needs at the time, relocating to Fresno would have required us to construct a new facility on acquired land.
Unfortunately, our project schedule did not allow, prompting our search to just focus on speculative developments or existing buildings. The project proposed by Scannell would add four new office / industrial spaces to the region’s commercial real estate portfolio, totaling over 900,000 square feet. Given the parcel’s strategic location near Highways 99 and 180, this new project would be competitive amongst manufacturing companies considering the Central Valley for expansion or relocation.
To reiterate, AG Machining extends its utmost support for Scannell’s industrial development project proposed for the City of Fresno. We believe Fresno County, and the greater Central Valley, is uniquely positioned for manufacturers like AGM to call home. At a time when the region’s manufacturing industry growth is showing no signs of slowing down, we encourage Fresno to position itself to capitalize on the demands of manufacturers considering our region.
Should you have any questions, I can be reached at or at
Sincerely,
Eddie Garcia
Vice President
AG Machining/RXL Inc.
From:
Council Agenda - December 14, 2023 - ID 23-1691 – Scannell Properties Date: Monday, December 11, 2023 4:41:49 PM
Attachments:
From: Ben
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2023 4:16 PM
To: Clerk Todd Stermer
Cc: District1 District2 District3
< District4 District5 District6
gov>; District7 ;
Subject: SUPPORT: Council Agenda - December 14, 2023 - ID 23-1691 – Scannell Properties
External Email: Use caution with links and attachments
Good afternoon, Clerk
Stermer:
I am writing today on behalf of INVEST Fresno, a coalition of Fresno residents, businesses, and community organizations committed to building a diverse and sustainable economy in Fresno, to express our strong support for Permit Application P21-02699 – Scannell Properties Office/Warehouse Project
(ID 23-
161),
which is scheduled for consideration by the City Council at Thurday's December 14 Council Meeting.
We appreciate your consideration and respectfully request the City Council approve Permit Application P21-02699 and allow for continued economic and community development
and career growth.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any thoughts or questions you may have.
Sincerely,
--
Ben Granholm
Interim Executive Director
INVEST Fresno
www.INVESTFresnoCA.com
INVESTFresnoCA.com
December 11, 2023
Tyler Maxwell, President Submitted via Email
Fresno City Council
2600 Fresno
Fresno, CA 93721
RE: SUPPORT – ID 23-1691 – Development Permit Application No. P21-02699 – Scannell Properties Office/Warehouse Project
Dear Council President Maxwell and City Council,
I am writing today on behalf of INVEST Fresno, a coalition of Fresno residents, businesses, and community organizations committed to building a diverse and sustainable economy in Fresno, to express our strong support for Permit Application P21-02699 – Scannell Properties Office/Warehouse Project at 2740 W. Nielsen Ave. Fresno, CA 93704.
In Scannell Properties’ Nielsen and Hughes Industrial project (hereinafter “Scannell Project”), we find a properly zoned, environmentally sound development concept to deliver more than $100 million in direct investment in construction and several billion in economic activity and municipal tax revenue for the City of Fresno.
The City of Fresno is approaching a crossroads over whether it will build a next-generation economy by maximizing its built-in advantages of location and workforce or forfeit its position as the Valley’s economic leader to neighboring communities in Madera and Tulare counties.
The Scannell Project’s benefits to the City of Fresno include:
Expanding Fresno’s Tax Base
At a time when the City of Fresno is limited in its ability to grow its tax base through annexation and development due to the lack of an active master tax sharing agreement with the County of Fresno, the Scannell Project offers a direct pipeline to a growing tax base through its deep ties to Fortune 100 tenants and operators.
Because of visionary city leadership and the approval of projects similar to the proposed Scannell Project, Fresno’s sales tax revenue and overall tax base have skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, over the past five years, Fresno has seen a nearly 42% increase in sales tax revenue – enabling Fresno to invest more in essential neighborhood services and enhancing infrastructure, public safety, and support for local businesses.
These figures reveal a dynamic shift in our local economy, one that is bringing new hope and prospects for the future and ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.
Delivering Jobs of All Skill Levels
The Scannell Project is a unique opportunity for Fresno’s workforce of all stripes to participate in the construction and operation of a once-in-a-generation development.
Aside from the hundreds of construction jobs and the multiplier effect of jobs supporting the direct construction workforce on the Project, the Scannell Project is likely to boast nearly 1,000 permanent jobs upon full build-out and tenancy, with most light and heavy industrial tenants paying well above market wages to similarly situated workers in the Fresno workforce.
Meeting Soaring Demand for Industrial Space
Fresno faces an extraordinarily tight industrial real estate market, with tenants currently occupying 99% of all industrial space.
This lack of availability has led to increased numbers of prospective tenants eyeing municipalities in Madera, Tulare, and Kern counties, where capacity is more readily available. Routinely, however, tenants have expressed to our members their preference to open and operate in the Fresno market due to its unique position in the San Joaquin Valley and readily available workforce.
The Scannell Project is the first-of-its-kind to meet development and environmental requirements, all while increasing supply to meet the soaring demand for industrial space.
As mentioned, Fresno is at a crossroads when it comes to developing its next-generation economy.
We have grown deeply concerned that extraneous, economically tenuous demands on Scannell and its project are threatening the approval of Scannell’s Development Permit application. Such demands are likely not only to eliminate the economic viability of the project itself, but send a chilling message to investors and developers that the City of Fresno is not welcoming to economic development and investment at mass scale.
Fresno has just begun to unlock the potential of the 21st Century industrial economy. Fresno residents deserve an opportunity to lift this community through modern, high-paying jobs.
We appreciate your consideration and respectfully request the City Council approve Permit Application P21-02699 and allow for continued economic and community development and career growth.
Sincerely,
Interim Executive Director
cc: Fresno City Council
Mayor Jerry Dyer
From:
Cc:
-- 10:00 a.m. item
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:44:37 AM
Attachments: EDC Support_Scannell.pdf
From: Israel Trejo
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:38 AM
To: Clerk
Cc: Todd Stermer ; Briana Parra ; Steven
Martinez
Subject: ID 23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Good morning,
To be included in the project record, please see attached letters of support relative to the Scannell project scheduled for City Council this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Thank you.
1. Imperial Electric
2. Colliers International
3. Fresno Chamber of Commerce
4. Wiebe Hinton Hambalek, LLC
5. Noble Credit Union
6. Community Health System
7. San Joaquin Manufacturing Alliance
8. EDC President
Israel Trejo | Planning Manager
Current Planning | Planning & Development
2600 Fresno Street | Fresno CA 93721
Resources: Planning & Development | GIS Data Hub – Interactive Zoning Map |
Fresno Municipal Code
Accela Citizens Access (ACA) Online Plans/Permits/Inspections | ACA Instruction Videos
December 7th, 2023
Jennifer Clark
Planning Director
City of Fresno Department of Planning and Development
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Dear Director Clark,
On behalf of Wiebe Hinton Hambalek, LLP, I would like to extend our support for Scannell Properties’ proposed industrial development in the City of Fresno.
This project would provide much needed industrial space to help fulfill the pressing commercial real estate demands of the region, while remaining consistent with the City’s general plan and zoning designation for this parcel.
Both Fresno County and the City of Fresno currently have low industrial vacancy rates and have as a result lost out on potential projects to other neighboring regions. With an increasing emphasis at the local, state, and federal levels as well as in the private sector on worker upskilling, this means that projects that would be beneficial both to our region’s economic and workforce development have not materialized in our city and county.
Over the past few years, the City of Fresno’s industrial vacancy rates have remained firmly below 3 percent. This has presented a major barrier to meeting site requirements on inquiries received from site selectors and potential companies. This new development proposed by Scannell would add four new office / industrial spaces to the City’s real estate portfolio, totaling over 900,000 square feet. Given the parcel’s strategic location near Highway 99 and 180, these new industrial spaces will be highly competitive amongst manufacturing and logistics companies considering Fresno County for their next expansion project. This in turn will create a plethora of new employment opportunities for the residents of the city and the county. The timing is perfect for this project as the region has received significant investments in federal and state funding for workforce development.
Scannell Properties has demonstrated a commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. The proposed development site has been carefully selected to minimize any potential impact on nearby residential areas while maximizing its economic benefits. We believe that the project's careful planning and consideration for the local community make it a valuable addition to our city.
This project aligns closely with the City’s vision of fostering a business-friendly environment to accelerate growth. Should the City Council approve these development plans.
Should you have any questions, I can be reached at ( or at
Sincerely,
Frank Hambalek, Jr., CPA
Wiebe Hinton Hambalek, LLP
December 8, 2023
Jennifer Clark
Planning Director
City of Fresno Department of Planning and Development
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Dear Director Clark,
On behalf of the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance, I would like to extend our support for Scannell Properties’ proposed industrial development in the City of Fresno.
This project would provide much needed industrial space to help fulfill the pressing commercial real estate demands of the region, while remaining consistent with the City’s general plan and zoning designation for this parcel.
Both Fresno County and the City of Fresno currently have low industrial vacancy rates and have as a result lost out on potential projects to other neighboring regions. With an increasing emphasis at the local, state, and federal levels as well as in the private sector on worker upskilling, this means that projects that would be beneficial both to our region’s economic and workforce development have not materialized in our city and county.
Over the past few years, the City of Fresno’s industrial vacancy rates have remained firmly below 3 percent. This has presented a major barrier to meeting site requirements on inquiries received from site selectors and potential companies. This new development proposed by Scannell would add four new office / industrial spaces to the City’s real estate portfolio, totaling over 900,000 square feet. Given the parcel’s strategic location near Highway 99 and 180, these new industrial spaces will be highly competitive amongst manufacturing and logistics companies considering Fresno County for their next expansion project. This new activity will in turn create a plethora of new employment opportunities for the residents of the city and the county.
The timing is perfect for this project as the region has received significant investments in federal and state funding for workforce development. The Scannell Properties project's strategic location positions it as an ideal catalyst for industry growth in Fresno, ensuring that the region can tap into the current workforce upskilling initiatives and connect residents with quality employment opportunities within the industrial sector. We believe this development will play a pivotal role in strengthening our community's economic foundation.
Scannell Properties has demonstrated a commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. The proposed development site has been carefully selected to minimize any potential impact on nearby residential areas while maximizing its economic benefits.
We believe that the project's careful planning and consideration for the local community make it a valuable addition to our city.
This project aligns closely with the City’s vision of fostering a business-friendly environment to accelerate growth should the City Council approve these development plans.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at or by email at .
Sincerely,
Genelle Taylor Kumpe
Chief Executive Officer
• Fresno, CA 93720
Jennifer Clark December 4th, 2023
Planning Director
City of Fresno Department of Planning and Development
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Dear Director Clark,
On behalf of the Greater Area Fresno Chamber of Commerce, I would like to extend our support for Scannell Properties proposed industrial development in the City of Fresno.
This project addresses the critical need for additional industrial space, aligning seamlessly with the region's commercial real estate demands, while maintaining consistency with the City’s general plan and zoning designation for this specific parcel.
Currently, both Fresno County and the City of Fresno face low industrial vacancy rates, resulting in missed opportunities for potential projects to neighboring regions. With a growing focus on worker upskilling at various levels, valuable projects that could contribute to our region’s economic and workforce development have unfortunately bypassed our city and county.
In recent years, the City of Fresno has grappled with industrial vacancy rates consistently below 3 percent. This has proven to be a significant hindrance in meeting site requirements for inquiries from site selectors and potential companies. The proposed development by Scannell intends to introduce four new office/industrial spaces to the City’s real estate portfolio, totaling over 900,000 square feet. Positioned strategically near Highway 99 and 180, these new industrial spaces are poised to be highly competitive, appealing to manufacturing and logistics companies eyeing Fresno County for their expansion projects. Consequently, this will generate a multitude of new employment opportunities for residents of the city and county, coinciding with significant investments in federal and state funding for workforce development.
Scannell Properties has showcased a commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. The chosen development site has been carefully selected to minimize potential impacts on nearby residential areas while maximizing its economic benefits. We believe that the thoughtful planning and consideration for the local community make this project a valuable addition to our city.
This project aligns closely with the City’s vision of fostering a business-friendly environment to accelerate growth.
Should the City Council approve these development plans.
Should you have any questions, I can be reached at or at
Sincerely,
Scott Miller, President & CEO
Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce
December 4th, 2023
Jennifer Clark
Planning Director
City of Fresno Department of Planning and Development
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Dear Director Clark,
On behalf of Colliers, I would like to extend our support for Scannell Properties’ proposed industrial development in the City of Fresno.
This project would provide much needed industrial space to help fulfill the pressing commercial real estate demands of the region, while remaining consistent with the City’s general plan and zoning designation for this parcel.
Both Fresno County and the City of Fresno currently have low industrial vacancy rates and have as a result lost out on potential projects to other neighboring regions. With an increasing emphasis at the local, state, and federal levels as well as in the private sector on worker upskilling, this means that projects that would be beneficial both to our region’s economic and workforce development have not materialized in our city and county.
Over the past few years, the City of Fresno’s industrial vacancy rates have remained firmly below 3 percent. This has presented a major barrier to meeting site requirements on inquiries received from site selectors and potential companies. This new development proposed by Scannell would add four new office / industrial spaces to the City’s real estate portfolio, totaling over 900,000 square feet. Given the parcel’s strategic location near Highway 99 and 180, these new industrial spaces will be highly competitive amongst manufacturing and logistics companies considering Fresno County for their next expansion project. This in turn will create a plethora of new employment opportunities for the residents of the city and the county. The timing is perfect for this project as the region has received significant investments in federal and state funding for workforce development.
Scannell Properties has demonstrated a commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. The proposed development site has been carefully selected to minimize any potential impact on nearby residential areas while maximizing its economic benefits. We believe that the project's careful planning and consideration for the local community make it a valuable addition to our city.
This project aligns closely with the City’s vision of fostering a business-friendly environment to accelerate growth.
Should the City Council approve these development plans.
Should you have any questions, I can be reached at or at .
Sincerely,
COLLIERS
Buk Wagner, SIOR
Senior Vice President | Principal | Central California
Industrial Property Team
Fresno County Economic Development Corporation
December 11th, 2023
Jennifer Clark
Planning Director
City of Fresno Department of Planning and Development
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Subject: Letter of Support for Scannell Properties' Speculative Industrial Development Project in Fresno
Dear Director Clark:
I am writing to express my support for Scannell Properties' speculative industrial project at Roeding Business Park, which presents an exciting opportunity for the City of Fresno and the broader region. As the President/CEO of the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, I am keenly aware of the pressing need for quality commercial/industrial space in our area, and I believe that Scannell’s investment marks a significant step toward addressing this demand.
Having collaborated with company representatives since 2020, Scannell Properties’ proposed project stands as one of our organization’s top priorities. During this time, Fresno's industrial sector has experienced sustained growth, with building vacancy rates recently dropping below 2 percent, according to data from Colliers Central California. This has posed a considerable challenge as we strive to meet the specific requirements of interested parties seeking industrial space in our region. The scarcity of suitable spaces has regrettably led to turning away potential clients and losing out on projects to neighboring regions, hindering the City of Fresno’s economic potential.
Scannell Properties’ project comes at a crucial time when Fresno County has seen a remarkable increase in manufacturing employment, outpacing the statewide average growth rate.
Manufacturing has a strong multiplier effect on the economy; with every job created, several more are added in related sectors like supply chain, logistics, research and development, and sales and marketing. Thus, this project will provide available space for future users while also generating numerous employment opportunities for the residents of Fresno and the surrounding areas.
Last year, EDC was awarded a $23M Good Jobs Challenge grant to fund training pathways in business services, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. In addition to job training, Good Jobs resources will allow direct services to address barriers such as childcare or transportation while conducting robust talent recruitment. As prospective companies evaluate Scannell’s project for expansion, the EDC, alongside its Good Jobs partners, is well-positioned
Fresno County Economic Development Corporation
to facilitate access to local talent through employer-informed training to support these critical sectors.
Speculative development projects involve inherent risks, but Scannell Properties’ interest sends a positive signal that Fresno’s market and economy are ripe for investment and growth. In conclusion, we support Scannell Properties' project at the Roeding Business Park and believe that it will significantly contribute to our city's economic growth, job creation, and overall prosperity. We look forward to supporting and working collaboratively with Scannell Properties to ensure the success of this project.
Sincerely,
Will Oliver
President/CEO
Fresno County Economic Development Corporation
From:
To:
23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:45:11 AM
Attachments:
From: Steven Martinez
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:42 AM
To: Israel Trejo Clerk
Cc: Todd Stermer Briana Parra
Subject: RE: ID 23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Can I please also have this note about a call in support of the project added?
Thank You.
Steven Martinez | Planner
Current Planning | Planning & Development
2600 Fresno Street | Fresno CA 93721
From: Israel Trejo >
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 8:38 AM
To: Clerk < >
Cc: Todd Stermer >; Briana Parra ; Steven
Martinez
Subject: ID 23-1691 -- 10:00 a.m. item
Good morning,
To be included in the project record, please see attached letters of support relative to the Scannell project scheduled for City Council this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Thank you.
1. Imperial Electric
2. Colliers International
3. Fresno Chamber of Commerce
4. Wiebe Hinton Hambalek, LLC
5. Noble Credit Union
6. Community Health System
7. San Joaquin Manufacturing Alliance
8. EDC President
Israel Trejo | Planning Manager
Current Planning | Planning & Development
2600 Fresno Street | Fresno CA 93721
Resources: Planning & Development | GIS Data Hub – Interactive Zoning Map | Fresno Municipal Code
Accela Citizens Access (ACA) Online Plans/Permits/Inspections | ACA Instruction Videos