Abandoned Warehouse Near Church Won’t Get Chance to Host 34 Jobs

The abandoned industrial warehouse between Sonrise Church and Route 67 at 10775 Rockvill St. won't likely be revitalized anytime soon.

The Santee City Council voted at their previous meeting to deny zoning changes which would allow a shipping loading dock to occupy the building that's been abandoned for nearly five years and according to the applicant, is deteriorating and has no other use.

"Basically, the council's not thrilled with the idea," said Mayor Randy Voepel.

The applicant asked that zoning be changed from Light Industrial to General Industrial. They expected that 34 jobs would be brought to the area if the shipping business was allowed to operate.

Though the site was historically used as a truck terminal, councilmembers questioned whether that use was proper at this time in Santee's development, and the affect that more truck traffic in that area would have on roads.

"I've got a problem adding more large semi trucks rolling through our city streets permanently," said Councilmember Rob McNelis.

"It's not the same city as when it was a truck depot," he said.

The applicant said 54 daily truck trips would come in and out of the warehouse 20 hours a day and would be situated half-a-mile from a freeway entrance.

Jack Dale quickly questioned how trucks would cross the most congested portion of Magnolia Avenue to get to the nearby onramp without a traffic signal at that spot.

"I don't want to stand in the way of new business, but traffic could be an issue," said Councilmember John Minto.

"It would make a great industrial park in the near future... the market's not quite right yet," said McNelis.