Controversial Thermal Ranch Development Faces Pushback from Local Residents Ahead of Key Vote

A proposed luxury development in the Eastern Coachella Valley is drawing strong opposition from residents who say the project threatens their health, environment, and way of life.

The Thermal Ranch Club, a multimillion-dollar development planned on a 619-acre site, is set to go before the Riverside County Planning Commission today. If approved, the project would include private horse stables, commercial and retail space, and a 150-room hotel — all just minutes from working-class mobile home communities and local schools, including Desert Mirage High School.

For months, families from Thermal have voiced their concerns at packed community council meetings, raising alarm about the development’s size, location, and potential environmental impact.

Community advocates, including members of the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, argue that the project raises serious environmental justice concerns. They point to the lack of clear mitigation plans for issues like manure management and dust control — both of which could significantly affect nearby residents, many of whom already face poor air quality and limited access to healthcare.

While the environmental impact report submitted by developers addresses some public feedback, critics say it fails to fully mitigate potential harms to surrounding communities.

Today’s vote by the Planning Commission is a critical step before the project heads to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for final approval. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in Riverside, where dozens of Thermal residents are expected to show up in person to voice their opposition.

Tune in to our 11a.m. newscast for the latest updates.