Residents urge council to remove Oxbow demolition debris rather than grind on site

San Bernardino residents urged the City Council to require removal of demolition debris at the Oxbow property and opposed an option to grind the concrete on site, saying grinding would endanger nearby neighborhoods.

The matter drew the largest sustained public-comment period of the evening, with neighborhood residents, a former council member and the site's new owner all addressing the council. Speakers described respiratory problems, property damage, a long history of alleged violations at the site and a local resolution that residents say should bar on-site crushing.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the dumped debris has been in place for years and that on-site crushing could expose homes and schools to dust and contaminants. Residents argued the city should enforce prior decisions and remove the material rather than allow grinding in place.

Multiple speakers cited a long-running timeline. Henry Nicholl, identified as a former council member, told the council the city adopted a resolution requiring removal following the original…