Neighborhood 'Chaos' Concerns California Locals over New Disney Development

The construction of a new Disney living community in California is causing worry among the local population about pollution, overcrowding, and general irritation.

Disney unveiled a series of residential communities called Storyliving in 2022, with the first community commencing construction in Rancho Mirage.

Some locals are raising concerns about the reality of living near Disney properties as the "Cotino" project progresses.

"Mark Wolpa, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, stated that Rancho Mirage is tranquil, serene, and amicable. However, the arrival of Cotino is causing pollution, disturbance, and turmoil in an area that did not desire it."

The company's plans to construct a 24-acre lagoon in a drought-prone area were met with opposition from Wolpa.

At the time, there were strict water usage restrictions. People were removing their lawns and replacing them with artificial grass. Meanwhile, I noticed advertisements for a large lagoon.

""Having a lagoon in the desert would be a waste of resources," he remarked."

Bill Miller, a local resident, expressed his sadness to the LA Times about the loss of natural land that would displace wildlife in the area.

"Landscaping often disregards the needs of wildlife, including birds, bees, butterflies, rabbits, lizards, and roadrunners," Miller stated.

The Cotino community will soon have nearly 2000 new homes, with the first 300 currently under development. Properties are already available for purchase, and the first residents are expected to move in by 2025.

While the investment is guaranteed to generate additional revenue for the city, some residents questioned what other effects it might have.

"Rancho Mirage is already one of the wealthiest cities in Southern California, and this will only increase its affluence," Indio resident Jim Thomas told the LA Times. "However, the question arises: where will the workers reside? The housekeepers, landscapers, bartenders, and hospitality employees?"

However, some were more cautiously optimistic about the community.

""Disney is known for doing things well, but will their project be integrated into the community or dominate it?" said Katherine Holt of Rancho Mirage."

"Katie Dorr, a real estate agent, stated that the atmosphere was reminiscent of Disney with its meticulous attention to detail, vibrant colors, and artistic elements."

Disney is considering additional locations for future Storyliving communities, including a confirmed deal for Asteria in North Carolina in 2023.