Listen here:
Pioneertown residents are unhappy about a proposed 14-unit trailer park to operate as a short term rental glamping destination on an undeveloped, three-quarter-acre parcel along historic Mane Street. They say that despite the proposed project’s failure to conform to various elements of the county development code, the community plan, and the California Environmental Quality Act, and dozens of letters from Pioneertown residents all opposing the trailer park, the county planning commission unanimously approved it in July. This has motivated area residents to organize.
Led by Pioneertown resident and architect Ben Loescher, and operating under the name Pioneertown Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development, the group has set its sights on either seeing the project brought into compliance or stopping it all together. The group filed an appeal with the board of supervisors. In it, they emphasize that they “support the addition of a professionally managed tourist accommodation” – now paraphrasing – on the condition that it ensures the integrity of the Pioneertown Mane Street Historic District.
A hearing before county supervisors has been tentatively set for December 6. And in a tolling agreement, or side proposal, the group has reached out to the developer with an offer to drop the appeal if the proposal is resubmitted following all appropriate requirements. Pioneertown Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development placed a November 15 deadline for the developer to decide, or the offer will be pulled.
