San Bernardino council approves map and code amendments for 15-acre Woodhill–Maisie residential project

The San Bernardino City Council on July 16 voted to advance a development package for a 15.1-acre residential project at the northwest corner of West Basic Street and Dallas Avenue, allowing subdivision and zoning changes and directing staff to proceed toward final approvals.

George Ford Hills, associate planner in the city’s planning division, presented the staff recommendation and described the package as a multi-part action: an environmental determination (a negative declaration), an amendment to the development code, an amended map and a tentative subdivision map for about 14 lots and a multi-family residential pattern. He told the council the project would include six floor plans and architectural styles described in the materials and would provide about 59 guest parking spaces in addition to unit parking.

The item drew multiple public speakers who asked whether the homes would be affordable, how many vehicle trips the project would generate and where future residents would shop and obtain services. Dolores Armstead told the council she worried the homes would be priced too high for local families and urged measures to retain affordability. Ron Alvarado supported the project as a reuse of long‑vacant property and said it aligned with the city’s housing goals.

Councilmembers discussed market forces, infrastructure and community concerns. Councilmember Sánchez and Councilmember Ortiz said they supported the project and asked staff to keep working with developers and potential commercial partners to attract grocery and retail uses nearby. Councilmember Flores and Mayor Pro Tem Figueroa also praised staff coordination with Caltrans and developer outreach to neighbors. No councilmember who spoke publicly opposed moving the item forward.

The council approved the package, recorded in staff materials as adopting the negative declaration and introducing the ordinance and map amendments required to allow the proposed subdivision and residential plans. The staff report notes the council would consider final ordinance adoption at a future meeting, with an anticipated adoption date listed as August 6 for certain approvals.

Why it matters: The action changes the land-use designation of a commercial parcel to permit medium-density residential development in an area the city says is consistent with surrounding uses; residents sought clarity about affordability, parking and nearby services.

What happens next: The council’s vote advances the project to follow-up hearings and ministerial steps (final ordinance adoption, map recordation and developer permitting). Staff said additional technical reviews remain, including circulation and fire-access requirements.

Speakers quoted in this…