San Bernardino council pauses formal truck-route adoption, schedules special meeting after residents press for Option B

San Bernardino — City staff presented a two-part proposal to implement AB 98 by designating city truck routes and establishing warehouse development standards, and the City Council moved to continue final action at a specially scheduled meeting.

The planning presentation described work that began in 2023 and a routes study completed by consultants, which proposes routing trucks from neighborhoods to freeways to reduce conflicts with residences and schools. Staff outlined two alternatives: Option A, the route map approved by the Planning Commission, and Option B, which removes several on‑street truck designations aimed at protecting residential blocks. The planner said the goal is to "bring trucks to the freeway as soon as possible so they are not in the streets," and noted legal limits on preventing trucks from accessing businesses that require deliveries.

Residents urged the council to adopt stricter protections. Dolores Amstead, speaking during public comment, said the city should "remove truck routes that go through residential arterials" and asked who will pay for road repairs damaged by heavy vehicle traffic. Several speakers described health and air‑quality impacts and urged the council to protect neighborhoods near Highland, Baseline and Mill Street.

Councilmembers acknowledged community concerns but said they also must balance business logistics and regional coordination. Miembro Ortiz told colleagues she would "like to adopt Option B" and to include the Tepacanú location amendments recommended by staff, but the council agreed to hold a special meeting to finalize the ordinances and supporting maps. A motion to schedule a special meeting for further consideration passed by voice vote.

The council did not adopt a final ordinance during this session; staff were directed to prepare an amended map and supporting materials for the special meeting so members can review the specific street segments and signage proposals before a formal vote.

What’s next: The council set a special meeting to continue ordinance readings and directed staff to return with revised mapping and explanatory material showing which segments would be removed under Option B, signage plans, and references to neighboring jurisdictions’ connections. No final adoption occurred at the meeting.