Those expecting to see an end to the protracted standoff over the planned Alta Mira project in Joshua Tree will have to wait a little longer. Assignment reporter Mike Lipsitz explains why…
Following presentations from the developer, county planners, and community leaders who brought the appeal, the Board of Supervisors in San Bernardino yesterday heard compelling testimony from more than 30 members of the public. All opposed the planned Alta Mira gated housing project next to Friendly Hills Elementary School. They are residents of the Friendly Hills neighborhood and others motivated by the desire to see Joshua Tree retain its low density rural character and to preserve the beauty of the environment here, neither of which, they said, is consistent with 248 new homes on 105 acres. So as yesterday’s hearing stretched out to nearly three hours, supervisors questioned the nuances in the language around development code, zoning, community plans, and the rights of property owners. With board chair James Ramos indicating intention to grant the appeal and deny the project, and Supervisor Janice Rutherford indicating the opposite, a number of procedural questions arose and on the advice of county legal counsel, the matter was continued until the board’s next meeting on September 27.
