HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2021 Study Session_Item 1_Reyes, Eloise Gomez_Redacted
January 27, 2021
Honorable John Valdivia
Office of the Mayor
290 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
RE: Mayor and City Council Workshop - Carousel Mall Presentations (Ward 1)
Dear Mayor Valdivia:
I am pleased and excited to see our mayor, city council and city administrators engaging in
this project to redevelop our downtown. This is an important step to revitalize downtown’s
blighted landscape, stimulate the local economy and create a thriving, innovative and
sustainable ecosystem that centers community wealth. It is important that our local city
leaders be inclusive and equitable in their approach to provide a fiscal multiplier for
generations to come.
I share the sentiment of the community of San Bernardino and stakeholders that the
revitalization of Downtown San Bernardino is necessary for the public good. However, I also
stand firm in my conviction that in order to reach this public good, where all members of
our community become better off from this development, both economically and socially, it
is vital that a community benefit agreement is developed with the developer, city and
community once a developer is chosen.
In response to the specific proposals being presented tonight, I appreciate the
transparency on these proposals from SCG America, Renaissance Downtowns USA
and ICO Real Estate Group. It is my hope and recommendation that the city chooses
the developer that is willing to and has a record of working with a multi-issue, broad
based community coalitions to participate in negotiations on a community benefit
agreement that will ensure this project uplifts the entire community and makes all
of us proud.
Most importantly, this project must not cause inner-city gentrification by pushing out low-
income residents and it must not be anchored by retail. We must ensure that this project
incorporates renewable energy and brings anchor institutions that have the economic
potential to leverage their assets and revenues to promote local private sector development
and community wealth. This combination of factors will ensure that Downtown San
Bernardino and this mixed-use development will be sustainable through any future
economic downturns. In addition, this project should leverage the innovation, intellectual
property and startup ecosystems from California State University, San Bernardino, San
Bernardino Valley College, and the University of California, Riverside.
While we embark on bringing progress and development to our communities in San
Bernardino, we must also remember the communities that surround these developments.
These communities will be the ones who will be adversely affected. They should be seen as
partners who deserve to benefit from these projects in their communities and they should
not have to suffer simply because of where they live or their socioeconomic status.
If you wish to discuss this issue further, or have questions please contact me at (909) 381-
3238.
Sincerely,
Eloise Gomez Reyes
Assemblymember, 47th Assembly District
Cc: Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Ibarra, Councilmember Theodore Sanchez, Councilmember Juan
Figueroa, Councilmember Fred Shorett, Councilmember Ben Reynoso, Councilmember
Kimberly Calvin, Councilmember Damon Alexander