By james art Tanya Gonzalez of the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice speaks at a press conference before the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) regarding the Airport Gateway Specific Plan in March 2023, a project that organizers recommended include a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA). , to ensure that residents in the project area are not displaced by the proposed zoning. (Photo/Michael Segura)
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — On Nov. 6, community advocates, leaders and residents will gather at the Feldheim Public Library to demand a transparent redevelopment process for the Carousel Mall in downtown San Bernardino. Led by the Just San Bernardino Collaborative (Just SB), the group is calling for a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) and a Public Request for Proposals (RFP) process that ensures community participation in every step of the redevelopment.
The move follows the Oct. 2 San Bernardino City Council meeting, where a closed session included discussions about the sale and redevelopment of the 43-acre Carousel Mall property. The Just SB Collaborative, along with local business owners and community leaders, argues that redevelopment decisions should not be made behind closed doors. They believe the process should prioritize the needs and voices of the local community, not just the interests of developers or investors.
“It’s about engaging residents in every step of the sale and development of land in their city,” said Celine Perez, chief of staff for the Inland Empire Labor Council AFL-CIO. “As we create a town center that serves all of San Bernardino, it is vital that we hear from the workers, residents and small business owners who know their community best. We must focus on providing quality jobs in multiple industries for the people who live, play and attend schools in San Bernardino.”
Advocates are pushing for a CBA to ensure that redevelopment efforts bring significant community benefits, including good-paying jobs, affordable housing, environmental protection and support for small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Through the CBA, the coalition hopes to address concerns about economic displacement and ensure that current residents are not pushed out of their neighborhoods by rising rents or increased competition.
(Photo/Gilbert Gonzalez)
Duane Kellum, an artist and co-owner of Creative Grounds, a local business in downtown San Bernardino, expressed his concerns about how the redevelopment could drive up rents and put pressure on small business owners. “It will affect the amount we pay [in rent]Kellam said. “S [4th street] driveway coming in, I’m sure there will be a lot of offers from businesses trying to get key locations… What will it look like if someone comes in with a bunch of money and approaches our landlord?’
Scheduled for 3:00 PM at the Feldheim Public Library, the press conference will serve as a platform for residents to voice their concerns and rally for a more inclusive redevelopment process. Just SB encouraged attendees to register, offering food and Just SB t-shirts to those who join the event.
The Just SB Collaborative, which represents a range of organizations including Arts Connection Network, BLU Educational Foundation, Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement, Inland Empire Labor Council, Inland Congregations United for Change, People’s Collective for Environmental Justice, Time for Change Foundation and the Resource Center for warehouse workers seeks to hold the city accountable for ensuring that the redevelopment project provides meaningful and equitable outcomes for San Bernardino residents.
The coalition argues that a transparent RFP process and binding CBA will help ensure key community benefits. They call for an overhaul that includes:
- Well paying jobs and local employment practices to promote economic mobility for residents.
- Affordable housing to counter rising rental costs that could displace local families.
- Environmental protection and infrastructure improvement to ensure that redevelopment is consistent with sustainable practices.
- Support for small businesses and local entrepreneurs to strengthen the local economy and ensure existing businesses have a stake in the new town centre.
According to Just SB Communications Director Michael Segura, the organization believes this press conference will highlight the importance of community-led development. “We want to make sure the voices of those who live and work in San Bernardino are prioritized in this redevelopment project,” Segura said. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the city center and it needs to be done in a way that uplifts everyone in the community, not just outside investors.”
The November 6 press conference is open to the public, with local residents, business owners and media representatives invited. Just SB encourages all attendees to actively participate in advocating for a fair and transparent process. With the support of community organizations, the coalition aims to provide a redevelopment plan that respects the needs and values of San Bernardino’s diverse population.
For more information, visit the Just SB Eventbrite page or contact Michael Segura at (909) 653-7003 or [email protected].