HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2021 Study Session_Item 1_Gray-Hunn, Sonya_RedactedFrom:Sonya Gray-Hunn
To:Public Comments
Subject:Public Comments: 01/27/2021 – Study Session - Agenda Item No. 1
Date:Wednesday, January 27, 2021 2:31:04 PM
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Hello, my name is Sonya Gray-Hunn, I both live and work in the city of San Bernardino. As
a mother of six adult children and working as a Community Organizer. I have been residing
in the city of San Bernardino for more than 30 years. I am contacting you regarding the lack
of accountability, transparency, and lack of community engagement regarding the Carousel
Mall development.
I am concerned about the process of community engagement behind this development;
with the current COVID-19 crisis, the lack and loss of employment, and the substantial lack
of attainable housing for our residents. It is of detrimental and dire consequences that the
residents and your constituents be consulted in the planning and development of the
Carousel Mall. I am strongly requesting that the community be at the table and included in
the conversation and decision-making process as the two proposed developers present
their plans and the projected overall cost of completing the project. I am firmly requesting
that the priorities for the downtown development addressed Issues like lack of affordable
housing, housing for low income and homeless residents, sustainability, and good-paying
jobs must be included in the project. Ex: Provided local licenses and bonded contractors to
submit bids for the project and to use local vendors as a part of the economic growth for
our city.
I ask that you show your support for community benefits to address the issues I
mentioned above. The city's public monies must go into solving the crisis of
unemployment, housing, air pollution, and investment into resources the community
has needed for decades. According to the Source from the U.S. Census Bureau,
Census 2010 Summary File 1. Esri forecasts for 2020 and 2025 Esri converted
Census 2000 data into 2010 geography. Published on November 17, 2020. San
Bernardino Median Household income is that of $45,839, the data also shows that in
2020 there were 53.1 % of the population earning less than $50.000 per year leading
into the 2020-2025 projections. The data also reflects just a 3.1% decrease of
individuals earning less than $50.000 in the year 2025.
I believe that we as community members, accountability partners, and overseeing those
less fortunate; those who are currently operating in survival mode are represented and
allowed an opportunity to be a part of making the city of San Bernardino better than the All
American city of yesterday. We should be making San Bernardino the “all American City” of
today. That embraces all regardless of their income or immigration status. I request that we
be attentional with creating the Carousel Mall to embrace the true current needs of our city
and those who currently call the city of San Bernardino their home.