Council split on plan to clear Oxbow Site, Mayor’s veto stands

The city once again reviewed the options to clear the concrete pile that has become known as the “Oxbow Site” on Wednesday evening last week. Mayor John Valdivia’s plan to not spend any San Bernardino City taxpayer money on the project, but instead have the developer pay for the cleanup carried the day.  As a result the city will save two million dollars or more.

Much like the previous meeting, four members of the council voted to have the City pay $2 million to have the site cleared of the concrete. Councilman Ben Reynoso, who represents the area, was joined by council members, Damon Alexander, Sandra Ibarra and Kimberly Calvin in favor, while council members Fred Shorett, Theodore Sanchez and Juan Figueroa opposed the expenditure.

More than 80 people spoke during the comment period.

Since the motion did not pass with five or more votes, the Mayor’s veto will stand.

The City will now enter into an agreement to have the materials crushed on site and used as fill for the new housing development proposed for the property.