HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2021 Study Session_Item 1_Martinez, Alexandra (links removed)From:Alexandra Martinez
To:Public Comments
Subject:Carousel Mall Development
Date:Wednesday, January 27, 2021 2:48:29 PM
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Hello,
My name is Alexandra Martinez and I am a community member and organizer from Colton,
CA. I am writing because I am concerned about the future of not only the Carousel Mall as a
San Bernardino landmark, but as a possible cultural and economic hub -- two things that are
fully lacking in downtown San Bernardino. This is especially true when it comes to the
interests of the community of San Bernardino and the greater Inland Empire at large. Let’s
look at the mall space through the analogy of a garden plot. It is possible to cultivate a thriving
garden in San Bernardino. The nearby Huerta Del Valle space is a literal example of this. The
things that it would take to create this thriving garden are people and things that are already
actively available in San Bernardino, the need for outside developers is not necessary. Why
not turn the second level of the mall into affordable housing for people living in San
Bernardino and the surrounding cities? Why not turn the main level of the mall into economic
opportunities for local creatives by providing grants and guidance for people to become small
business owners of places like bookstores, coffee shops, children’s toy stores, plant stores, gift
shops, etcetera all owned and run by people who already work and live in the Inland Empire
but lack the opportunity to lease any space due to bureaucratic and economic restrictions?
Why not allow the food trucks and street vendors that already use the surrounding mall space
to feed people a permanent space inside the mall food court? All of these things are possible
and necessary in the community. Downtown San Bernardino doesn’t need to bend to the
whims of developers who don’t care about the city. Do you care about the city? Do you care
about the people who are your constituents? Then put in the work to build this thriving, locally
based “garden.”
Thank you,
Alexandra Martinez