Planning commission approves smaller corner radius for Foothill–Macy housing project

The San Bernardino Planning Commission on a unanimous vote approved an amendment to conditions for the planned unit development at Foothill Boulevard and Macy Street that reduces the corner curb radius from 35 feet to 20 feet to accommodate relocated storm drains and coordinate with scheduled Caltrans work.

Staff told commissioners the project, previously approved in August, covers about 15 acres and 138 single‑family lots and that the amendment updates public‑works conditions to reflect field constraints encountered during site preparation. The change is intended to avoid moving existing utilities and to accommodate a storm‑drain relocation that will shift one drain about 7 feet west and a catch basin about 3 feet north, staff said. Staff recommended adopting Resolution No. 2026‑008 and finding the amendment CEQA‑exempt.

During the public hearing, Dolores Armstead, identifying herself as the representative of the Northwest Project Area Committee, asked to be notified in advance of west‑side projects and asked whether the new homes would be sold rather than converted to rentals; she said residents had been “duped into rentals” in a previous project. Applicant representative Mr. Bonaman said the units are intended “for sale currently” and urged approval. Bonaman also characterized Caltrans’ approach to roadside improvements as focused on minimizing costs.

Commissioners pressed staff for clarifications about emergency access and utilities. Staff and the land‑development manager said fire trucks can make the smaller radius and that electrical poles along Foothill will be relocated rather than undergrounded because the lines involved are 34 kV, above the 33 kV threshold that triggers an undergrounding requirement.

The commission moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑008 amending the conditions of approval. The action is effective subject to any appeal rights in the city’s appeal period; staff noted most final actions are subject to a 15‑day appeal to the Community Development and Housing Department.