HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2021 Study Session_Item 1_Briones, Ariana (links removed)From:Ariana Briones
To:Public Comments
Subject:1/27/2021 - Study Session - Agenda Item No. 1
Date:Wednesday, January 27, 2021 3:27:12 PM
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Hello, my name is Ariana and I've lived in San Bernardino all my life. I am commenting out
of concern for the new Carousel Mall development plans.
When I was a child, the Mall was a fun place to visit, and helped make the downtown area
very special to me. I realize now that businesses rise and fall, and maybe it was time for the
Mall's presence to end. I do believe the city needs more life put back into it, and having a
lively downtown could potentially lead to more life in other parts of the city. However, if last
year has shown us anything, it's that corporations do not keep us afloat in times of great
distress, but people do.
So my main question for you is, how will you center the people of San Bernardino in your
new development plans? We - and especially minorities, unhoused folks, etc. - should and
must be at the forefront of your plans. This city and its people deserve more than being
swallowed up by companies who are looking for an "easy" profit. My other questions are then
extensions of my main one: Will your plans include space for unhoused folks, either in the
form of free housing or jobs? Will you provide affordable housing to current residents in the
area? How will you prioritize local communities to ensure they have access to the best jobs?
What are your plans to address and sustainably combat our city's deplorable air quality?
Our region is already being attacked by unhealthy living conditions through a surge of
warehouse development. To that, my final question is, how will you be better? Incorporating a
community land trust into any plans is a good start.
Thank you, and good health.
-- Ariana Briones
(they/them)