The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors heard public comments from Piñon Hills residents regarding the proposed Maverik fueling station during its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 19.
Residents opposing the project continued to raise concerns about traffic safety, truck circulation, and the impact the development could have on the rural character of the community.
“I am not here to hate on Maverik. We all want cheaper gas, don’t get me wrong. We’re saying the location of this is completely wrong,” stated longtime resident Debbie McAfee regarding the proposed Maverik site on Oasis Road off Highway 138. “I know the county wants the sales tax revenue. San Bernardino County is the largest county in the nation. I know a better location for this can be found in the county.”
Residents opposed to the project are particularly concerned about traffic patterns because the proposed fueling station would not have direct access from Highway 138. Instead, trucks would need to turn onto Oasis Road, where the Piñon Hills Post Office is currently located.
“Getting to the post office will be very difficult, if not dangerous. Most residents in Pinon Hills must pick up their mail on site since there is no home deliveries,” said Piñon Hills resident Ann Hale during the meeting. “Approximately 1,880 patrons pick up their mail regularly. Truck and vehicle traffic entering and exiting the Maverik fueling station would add an intense burden to the narrow road by the post office.”
The Board of Supervisors also heard from several additional residents requesting that county officials overturn the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Planning Commission’s April decision approving the project. During the previous appeal hearing, planning commissioners determined that problematic traffic flow alone was not sufficient grounds to deny the project because the property is zoned for commercial use.
Following public comments, the Board of Supervisors voted to continue the open hearing regarding the Maverik convenience store and gas station to its next meeting on Tuesday, June 9, at 10 a.m. at 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., First Floor, San Bernardino. At that meeting, the board is expected to further discuss the appeal and may determine whether to uphold the Planning Commission’s approval of the project.
San Bernardino County residents who wish to submit public comments to the Board of Supervisors during the June 9 meeting can do so through the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Clerk of the Board website at https://cob.sbcounty.gov/ and select “Submit a Public Comment.”
