Council continues University Hills hearing after residents and Cal State raise safety and access concerns

The San Bernardino City Council voted unanimously June 3 to continue the public hearing on the University Hills specific plan amendment and tentative tract map to July 15, 2026, after extended public comment and council questions about public safety and campus impacts. Staff told the council the applicant has reduced the proposed project from an earlier plan of about 980 units to 327 units and said the developer would seek annexation into CFD No. 2018-1 to fund long-term public-safety needs.

The hearing drew public testimony from two speakers who said the university neighborhood and nearby recreational uses could be affected. Jane Hunt Rubble said she was “concerned” about preserving foothill open space and cited wildfire risk, adding she wants Caltrans and the city to protect natural habitat. Luke Burgerer, president of the Crestline Soaring Society, said the club is “not fundamentally opposed to building housing” but asked council to preserve safe landing corridors and to consider carveouts to protect about 15–16 homes he identified as posing a hazard to hang‑gliding and paragliding operations. "We're trying to bring the world championships of hang gliding to San Bernardino," Burgerer said, and warned some lots fall into the "danger zone." (Luke Burgerer)

Council members pressed staff and the applicant on fire-safety reviews, ingress/egress, and whether Cal State San Bernardino’s concerns had been addressed. Fire staff said the county fire marshal and the city’s plan review signed off on ingress and egress under current (2025) fire-code requirements and described added fuel-reduction areas and fire-resistant construction features proposed for the development. The city manager and planning staff said they have met with Cal State representatives and will continue to work with the university on police staffing and traffic improvements in the northern part of the city.

Councilmembers also debated timing: one substitute motion to continue the hearing and to hold a community meeting in Ward 5 led to the July 15 date, which passed unanimously. Council recorded the procedural vote to continue the public hearing and to require a community meeting before the July hearing. The council asked staff to return with updated materials, including any revised maps and mitigation commitments the applicant offers related to public-safety staffing, traffic improvements, and accommodations for the hang‑gliding site.

Next steps: the public hearing will resume July 15, 2026; staff and the applicant were directed to schedule a Ward 5 community meeting prior to that date and to continue meeting with Cal State San Bernardino to resolve outstanding concerns.