Sunset Crossroads FAQ — Why Measures U, V & W Matter for Banning

What are Measures U, V, and W?

Measures U, V, and W are three different ballot measures regarding the Sunset Crossroads project. All three are needed for the project to move forward as currently approved by the City Council. Measure U covers the project's land-use approvals, Measure V maintains the current number of residential housing units and transfers them to a better location in Banning, and Measure W covers the Development Agreement, a legally binding contract between the City and developer that guarantees, in writing, the project benefits.

What happens if one measure passes but another doesn't?

All three measures are needed for Sunset Crossroads to move forward as currently approved. If any one of the three does not pass, the project would not be able to move forward.

Are the 3,700+ jobs guaranteed and will Banning residents get priority for the jobs?

The 3,700 permanent jobs are a conservative estimate based on Sunset Crossroads at full buildout. While the exact number of jobs will depend on the businesses that ultimately locate there, the project includes legally binding requirements for commercial development and retail recruitment that will create new employment opportunities. The project also gives Banning residents an advantage in applying for those jobs through advance hiring notices, quarterly job fairs, workforce training, and job-placement support.

How will Sunset Crossroads financially benefit the City, and where will that money come from?

The project includes more than $44 million in direct financial benefits to the City, including $3 million upfront, plus $17M for a fire station and truck, a new electrical substation, road improvements, downtown improvements, and an animal shelter. Once fully built, the project is also estimated to generate nearly $3 million annually in new fiscal surplus for the City through sources such as sales and property tax revenue.

Will Sunset Crossroads cost Banning taxpayers anything or increase residents' taxes?

No. Sunset Crossroads is privately funded and will cost the City and Banning taxpayers $0. The project does not include a tax increase on residents; instead, it will generate new revenue for the City. Without that new revenue, if the measures do not pass, the City could have to consider raising taxes on residents or finding other sources of revenue to address its budget shortfalls.

Is the new fire station guaranteed?

Yes, the project guarantees the funding and land for a potential new fire station. The agreement requires the developer to provide $16 million for the fire station, $1 million for a new fire truck or other fire equipment, and land for a potential station site. It is ultimately up to the City to approve, design, and build the fire station through its normal process.

What is being done to keep trucks out of residential neighborhoods and address traffic?

The project includes a physical truck barrier system on Sun Lakes Boulevard that keeps large project trucks out of residential neighborhoods. Project roadways are also designed to direct truck traffic toward Sunset Avenue and I-10, while approximately $39 million in roadway improvements, including road widening, added lanes, turn lanes, and new traffic signals, will help accommodate overall traffic.

Are warehouses part of the project?

Yes. Sunset Crossroads includes warehouses as part of the project, along with Sam's Club, other retail and commercial uses, parks, and open space. The warehouses will be located more than 1,000 feet from the nearest residential areas, with berms, trees, and landscaping to help block them from view. One of the primary benefits of the warehouses is that they will generate new revenue for the City to help fund City services.

Will Sunset Crossroads include a data center, ICE detention facility, or battery energy storage facility?

No. Those uses are not included in the Sunset Crossroads project. The developer has also filed a Specific Plan Amendment to formally prohibit data centers, ICE detention facilities, and large-scale battery storage facilities at the project. The Banning Planning Commission recommended the amendment for approval.

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Frequently Asked Questions