HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2021 Study Session_Item 1_Morin, Nathan_(links removed)From:Nathan Morin
To:Public Comments
Subject:Study Session - Agenda Item No. 1
Date:Wednesday, January 27, 2021 2:23:08 PM
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Hello,
My name is Nathan and I am a lifelong community member of the IE.I am contacting you
regarding the Carousel Mall Development.
I am concerned about this development. I believe the community deserves a seat at the table to
navigate the priorities for the downtown development. Issues like affordable housing, housing
for low income and homeless residents, sustainability, and good jobs must be included in the
project. We, the community, deserve transparency and involvement with this project. The City
and developers should not be the only ones who have the say in what happens to our
downtown and community. We put you in power, therefore, you are accountable to us and not
just your donors. Just as we helped put you in power, we can take you out of power with our
vote next election cycle.
For too long our elected officials have made decisions in what they believe to be the best
interest of the community. For example, the expansion of the SB Airport recently. WHERE
IS OUR COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT? We have major problems with
affordable housing, homelessness, and good living wage jobs in our community. All of which
are interconnected issues. For example, how can people afford to stay and live in our
community when we lack living wage jobs and affordable housing? It's no wonder so many of
our homeless are people from this community.
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.
Will this project ensure living wage union jobs for San Bernardino community members? Will
this project help create community through spaces accessible without being a paying
customer? Will the plan for this development have an anti-gentrification clause written in that
protects local business owners from rent hikes? Will there be affordable housing for future
tenants? Will existing San Bernardino community members receive priority over future
potential tenants not from San Bernardino?
Make this project be for the community, not the potential gentrifiers. Gentrification is not an
inevitably, it's a byproduct of poor planning and community engagement.
Together we are stronger, I urge you, let's work together to plan a better future for
San Bernardino.
Sincerely,
Nathan