Upland residents demand action on Bank of America dumpsters and traffic safety concerns

The City of Upland City Council meeting held on March 24, 2025, addressed several community concerns, focusing on public safety and business accountability.

The meeting began with a resident expressing concerns about Bank of America’s dumpsters located in a parking lot shared with Walgreens. The resident reported that one of these unsecured dumpsters rolled into his wife's car during strong winds, resulting in significant damage. He urged the council to review building codes and policies regarding exemptions that may allow businesses to neglect safety measures. The resident emphasized the need for action to prevent similar incidents in the future, highlighting that the dumpsters remain unsecured despite the risk posed by recurring Santa Ana winds.

Following this, another resident, Frank Ayala, shared his experience of being involved in a serious car accident at the intersection of H Street and San Antonio Avenue. He called for increased police presence at this and other accident-prone intersections to deter traffic violations, particularly running red lights. Ayala acknowledged the efforts of the local police but suggested that more proactive measures could enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.

The council members acknowledged the residents' concerns, with one member noting that they are already in discussions with property owners and business operators regarding safety issues. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate the matters raised and to explore potential solutions to enhance community safety.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the council's responsiveness to public safety concerns and the importance of maintaining accountability among local businesses. The council plans to follow up on these issues in future meetings.