Sept. 25 Weekly Briefing: Industrial project approved, ‘Indio Lindo’ moves forward, dog park news, and more

Happy Thursday! High school students typically worry about pop quizzes and prom dates, but this Saturday the Shadow Hills High School choir has a slightly different concern: keeping up with rock legends Foreigner during a concert. The choir will take the stage alongside the iconic ’70s rock band to perform “I Want To Know What Love Is” at their concert at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Foreigner is also donating $500 to the Shadow Hills choir program to help fund concert attire and music materials.

🎶 Setting the mood: “I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner

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LEADING OFF

Indio approves ‘much-needed’ industrial complex for small businesses

The Indio Planning Commission unanimously approved plans Wednesday for a 36,700-square-foot industrial complex that will house 10 separate business units. The building will be located at the southwest corner of Indio Boulevard and Madio Street, just south of Interstate 10.

Driving the news: Developer Joe Zucherro plans to build the complex on a 2.93-acre portion of his 6.28-acre site, offering flexible space for small businesses needing to expand within the Coachella Valley.

• The units will range from about 2,000 square feet to 5,500 square feet, targeting small tenants looking for space on a busy street.

Why it matters: Vice-Chairperson Gloria Franz called the project “very much needed,” noting that “as a city, we do not have enough commercial, light industrial properties.”

The details: The development includes 10 loading docks, 98 parking spaces, landscaping and underground stormwater retention systems. The project will require subdividing the property into two parcels, with an existing 26,960-square-foot industrial building remaining on a separate 3.35-acre parcel.

Looking back: Zucherro originally built the site 17 years ago for Calply, a drywall distribution company he owned. After selling the business, he retained the property with plans to develop the front portion when market conditions became favorable.

What’s next: Construction could begin within 12 to 14 months, with completion expected approximately one year after groundbreaking. No specific tenants have been identified yet, though brokers have been marketing the space for six months.

• City staff added conditions requiring palm trees along street frontages and decorative rock landscaping to enhance visual appeal.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🌳 Indio unveils three-year beautification plan

Indio officials outlined a three-year strategic plan that aims to plant 250 trees, eliminate visible dumpsters from main corridors, and launch a neighborhood ambassador program by 2027.

•  Jose Ramirez, principal management analyst with the city of Indio, told the Sustainability Commission on Monday that It’s all a part of the Indio Lindo program which hopes to build on volunteer efforts that have already completed more than 20 community cleanups and painted walls along major corridors like Fred Waring Drive and Clinton Street.
  
• The plan calls for planting an additional 50 palm trees along Jefferson Street, Jackson Street and Monroe Street by the end of 2026, while a trash enclosure program will provide grant funds to property owners to hide dumpsters from main corridors by 2027. 
  
• Details: The program will launch a Neighborhood Ambassador Program to recruit local leaders for cleanup events and aims to establish partnerships with at least 10 local nonprofits or faith-based organizations by 2026. Interested in volunteering? Apply online here.

Dive deeper with our complete story

♻️ Three Indio businesses pursue zero waste certification

We all know that moment after a satisfying meal when suddenly you’re faced with multi-colored waste bins. Now you have to figure out how to sort your banana peel, compostable straw, and plastic cup. Turns out, Indio students know a lot more about waste sorting than most adults thanks to a program that’s helping three Indio businesses achieve 90% waste diversion goals.

• The Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC), Indio Senior Center, and Academy of Musical Performance must maintain the diversion rate for 12 consecutive months to earn TRUE certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
  
• The program has shown success in educating youth about proper waste sorting, particularly at IPAC during summer camps where contamination levels dropped significantly after consultants working with the businesses taught children sorting techniques. 
  
• Why it matters: Benefits of a TRUE certification include opportunities to reduce inefficiencies and costs associated with waste management and helping businesses follow best practices for public health and the environment.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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YOUR WEEKEND

Indio Business Connect Resource Fair
Today | 3 p.m. | Chavez Events
Calling all business owners & entrepreneurs! Come down to the Indio Business Connect Business Resource Fair and discover small business funding opportunities, workforce training and hiring support, and resources to help launch or grow your business. They’ll also be offering free professional headshots and hosting a giveaway for 15 pairs of Firebirds tickets.

Noches Ilegales with DJ Costa and Guest DJ Magikmyku
Friday | 7:30 p.m. | Rosemary HiFi
This Friday DJ Costa is back at Rosemary HiFi, and he said he’s spinning, “all your Tia’s & Tio’s románticas, cumbias y drinking music. All the stuff we heard within our childhood.” Enjoy tamales from Citlali Tamales. Local DJ Magikmyku will also be gues DJing.

City of Indio Sustainability Collection Event
Saturday | 9 a.m. | Indio Water Authority/Corporate Yard
This Saturday is the chance for Indio residents to dispose of things like tires, used oil and oil filters, e-waste, paper, all for free! 

Foreigner
Saturday | 8 p.m. | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Legendary rock band Foreigner is returning to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Check out more events in our community calendar

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AND FINALLY …

Your four-legged family members might want to enjoy their favorite local hangouts while they still can, as the city prepares to temporarily close all three dog parks for some much-needed lawn care.

Driving the news: Indio will close its dog parks over the next month for reseeding, starting with Station 87 Dog Park on Golf Center Parkway next Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The timeline: Miles Avenue Park follows on Oct. 6, while Mulligan Dog Park on Van Buren Street gets the treatment last on Oct. 31.

• Each closure is expected to last about a month, with all parks anticipated to reopen by the end of November with fresh, green grass.

The bottom line: Dog owners may want to scout out alternative exercise spots or prepare for longer walks around the neighborhood while the city gives these popular gathering places a fresh start.