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San Manuel Band’s 557,000‑sq‑ft logistics project approved by DRC after public support
Summary
The Development Environmental Review Committee certified the final environmental impact report and approved a development permit for San Manuel Landing 2, a proposed 557,000‑square‑foot warehouse on roughly 25.2 acres at Fifth Street and Sterling Avenue; the project drew broad public support from local nonprofits and institutions.
The Development Environmental Review Committee (DRC) of the City of San Bernardino voted to certify the final environmental impact report (EIR) and approve a development permit for San Manuel Landing 2, a proposed industrial warehouse of about 557,000 square feet on roughly 25.21 acres near Fifth Street and Sterling Avenue.
The action, framed by staff as adoption of findings, a statement of overriding considerations and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program, passed after a staff presentation and a multi‑speaker public comment period. Peter Mateo, planning and development director for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, presented the project and thanked the committee and staff for their review. "This new project is no different. The San Manuel Landing 2 is an investment with long term benefits with enhanced area infrastructure to serve the neighboring businesses and surrounding communities," Mateo said.
The project site is zoned industrial light and, according to the applicant, conforms to the city’s general plan and zoning map. Mateo said the development would include rooftop solar, electric‑vehicle charging stations and a driveway staging area to keep trucks off Fifth Street. He said the applicant anticipates the facility could support more than 500 permanent jobs in the region and additional construction jobs during buildout.
Several local organizations and leaders spoke in favor during the public comment period. Reverend Lola Lillanes of High Hallum Christian Church said, "We are here because we believe in a project on Fifth Street and Sterling," and urged the committee to consider the project’s community benefits. Chandra Secor, assistant vice president of government affairs for Loma Linda University Health, described the tribe’s past support for local health facilities and workforce programs. Other supporters included representatives from Santa Claus, Inc. of Greater San Bernardino; the Islamic Coalition of Small Businesses; the Native American Land Conservancy; Legal Aid Society San Bernardino; and a commercial real estate representative who said he had been involved in the property sale decades earlier.
A question about an aviation/navigation easement on the west side of the site was raised by a member of the public with commercial property interests. Mateo said the applicant filed FAA Form 7460 and received approval, and that the tribe is in discussions with the San Bernardino International Airport Authority about a lease to allow use of the easement area for warehouse service. "We submitted a Form 7460 with the FAA and got that approved," Mateo said, adding that the tribe is negotiating with the airport authority.
The staff recommendation — to adopt Resolution 2025‑59 certifying the Final EIR (California State Clearinghouse number as stated in the record) and to approve Development Permit D23‑13 subject to conditions — carried on a committee vote. The committee chair called for the motion, it was seconded, and the item passed.
The committee’s approval means the project will proceed to the next stages required under city procedures and the conditions the DRC attached. The applicant and staff indicated they will continue coordination with the airport authority and follow the mitigation and monitoring measures adopted with the EIR.
