IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
San Bernardino’s new city manager is crafting bond measures meant to raise money to help pay for development of the Carousel Mall property and restoration of the city hall building downtown, which has been vacant since 2107.
“What I have in mind has worked elsewhere,” said Charles Montoya in a statement on the city’s website. “When we invest in our city, it sends a message to the development community that we mean business. People will quickly take notice and new development will follow.”
Montoya, who took over as the city’s top administrator in October, will present the bond proposals to the city council for final approval when they’re completed. He made his remarks earlier this month at a gathering of about 50 business leaders and residents.
Some of the Carousel Mall’s elements should be incorporated into whatever is built on the 43-acre site next to Interstate 215.
“The Carousel Mall was a destination,” Montoya said in the statement. “As we move forward, San Bernardino needs places that bring people to the city – restaurants, entertainment, and development – that moves us forward. That brings visitors, new residents and momentum to the city.”
San Bernardino is in dire need of a strong city council and new blood to take us to higher places. Yes Carousel Mall used to call outsiders to its shops back in the 70’S and 80’s. But with all the crooked council members and people running things San Bernardino has been named one of the top worst places to live let alone shop or eat.
I live here and won’t shop here. It’s disgusting the way San Bernardino has been represented in the past. Let’s all hope and pray that we again again one day become the meca that we all know it can be. Not just homelessness and warehouses on every corner. It’s time people.
I totally Agree!
Are the leaders of the city of San Bernardino gifted and experienced enough to guide and protect a prime development like the one envisioned and described by Mr. Montoya? No doubt, the location of former Carousel Mall is ideal–215 freeway accessible, downtown, and a possible spark to ignite an economic flaming torch needed in long-deprived downtown SB. But if it comes together, can the council manage it??
We can never forget that Carousel Mall started out on the good foot, as intended. But when a criminal element grabbed it and effectively turned off the flow of customer traffic due to legitimate public safety concerns, council and the police department were unable to control the crime. The gangs ultimately imposed their will over the will of city council, law enforcement, and business leaders. Crime reigned, spoiled business, and drove away revenue and a favorable reputation that is lost to this very day. Today, homelessness visibly reigns on our streets.
What is different within the council, business community, and police department today? Look around our city. Look at our current status. Can a cookie cutter approach that reflects what works in other cities work here? If so, why and how? Are the local leaders of SB equipped to steer our city to high ground? This question is yet unanswered. We, the residents of SB are waiting, watching, wishing, and wanting to see Mr. Montoya’s vision come to fruition.
We’re long overdue for a real plan than becomes a roadmap leading to economic success here in SB. The talk sounds fine, it’s all been said before. But effective leadership is still unseen. Where is it? We can only hope the individuals holding administrative positions in our city are actual leaders who are able to make “what happens elsewhere happen here .” Until we see change, it’s all talk.
I agree. Need Trusting, God fearing people