After years of debate and a recent rejection, the Oceanside City Council has reversed its earlier decision and approved the construction of a warehouse, manufacturing, and office facility on a 32-acre site along Eddie Jones Way near the city’s airport.

The project—proposed by RPG Commercial Real Estate—had faced strong opposition from nearby residents concerned about increased traffic, noise, and lighting in the San Luis Rey Valley. In May, the City Council sided with residents and overturned the Planning Commission’s approval in a 3-2 vote. But during last Wednesday’s meeting, the council pulled the item from its consent calendar for further discussion, leading to a change in outcome.

The reversal came after RPG offered new concessions, including reducing the number of truck bays from 34 to 28 (down significantly from the original 114 in early plans) and committing $2.5 million for the city to use on parks or capital improvement projects at its discretion.

Mayor Esther Sanchez remained opposed, warning that changing the vote after such an offer could give the impression the council was “being bought.” However, Councilmember Jimmy Figueroa—who had previously voted against the project—changed his stance, citing the hundreds of jobs the facility would bring and the benefit of the $2.5 million community investment. Figueroa joined Councilmembers Peter Weiss and Rick Robinson in approving the project.

The shift mirrors a similar situation earlier this year, when Figueroa reversed a previous vote on displaying the rainbow flag at City Hall during Pride Month.

With the council’s approval now in place, RPG’s project will move forward, adding a major industrial development to the area while leaving some residents still concerned about its long-term impacts.