San Bernardino News Daily Local news for San Bernardino, about San Bernardino.
Residents Unanimously Opposed the Project.
The Planning Commission narrowly approved a 27-unit high density rental apartment complex on Tuesday evening against the overwhelming opposition of neighborhood residents.
The 4-3 vote approved planning staff’s recommendation to place the apartments on a 2.4-acre lot that had previously been designated as part of a privately owned, individual unit condominium complex. The proposed rental apartments are surrounded by the existing Pine Ridge Villa condos on the South and West side of the project and the Lynwood Green Condominium development on the east side of Sterling.
The lot is completely fenced as part of the uncompleted Pine Ridge Villas project which began in 1978 and ended in the early 1980’s with the bankruptcy of the developer. All of the backbone infrastructure was installed and the remaining property was fully graded for condominiums at that time including driveways onto Sterling that currently serve as emergency and back up access for the existing residents.
Existing trash service and fire suppression for the Pine Ridge residents also are provided by the city from the existing lot that residents state has always been part of the Pine Ridge Villas project even though the parcel of land is separately owned and hasn’t been developed further in 50 years. According to the now-approved plans, these services and existing access would now disappear for residents with no explanation from the city on how they should be replaced or addressed.
The developer, Mike Mahmoudi of Fontana provided only a brief explanation of the project with city staff making the presentation in favor of the development. 4th Ward Planning Commissioner and long-time resident Larry Quiel asked the developer if they had engaged in any discussions with neighboring residents and Mr. Mahmoudi said they had not, without explanation.
Residents from both Lynwood Greens and Pine Ridge Villas raised the concerns of having more rental apartments in the neighborhood and community, instead of building the previously approved owner-occupied condominiums. According to a 2108 study, the City of San Bernardino now has over 50 percent of its housing occupied as rental units.
Apartment projects to the west of the proposed development have been the site of rampant crime in North San Bernardino including the infamous shooting of 11-year old Mynisha Crenshaw in 2005 and more recently a mass shooting at Del Rosa apartments in 2018, all related to gang activity.
Residents were also concerned with the lack of information from the city as the notification for the project and the planning commission meeting were provided to residents on the Friday before the 4th of July Holiday weekend and that the commission meeting was scheduled in the middle of summer when many residents are on vacation. Residents also requested a continuance so that more members of the community could be informed and provide input.
Ultimately, the unanimous concerns of the community were set aside by city staff and the majority of the planning commission with 4th Ward Commissioner Quiel and two others opposed.
Residents said they will appeal the decision to the San Bernardino City Council.
