Now that it’s clear that Tesla Motor Co. won’t open its new plant in Downey or Long Beach, what’s next for the two sites where the cities have long hoped to see development?
Last week, Tesla announced that instead of choosing Downey for an electric-car plant that would employ 1,200 people – or for that matter, Long Beach, the other announced finalist – it instead will take over a recently closed Toyota plant in Fremont, in the Bay Area.
Although the decision angered and shocked Downey officials, who had expected Tesla to sign a lease by the end of last week, City Manager Gerald Caton said this week that he bears no ill will toward Tesla. In fact, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reached out to Downey city officials to mend relations.
• Read the full Long Beach Press-Telegram story.
