213-Acre Bloomington Business Park Approved After Supervisors Add Housing, Data Center Restrictions
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the 213-acre Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan despite significant opposition from residents and environmental groups. The approved plan notably includes a ban on data processing and storage centers as permitted uses, a restriction added at the request of Vice Chair Joe Baca Jr. The decision also strengthens housing replacement conditions, addressing concerns about pollution, housing displacement, and compliance with state housing laws.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has approved the 213-acre Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan, clearing the path for a major industrial development in the unincorporated community. The approval came on September 22, despite years of opposition from Bloomington residents and environmental advocates like the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ), who voiced concerns over air pollution, truck traffic, and housing displacement.
The final plan, however, incorporated significant amendments. Notably, Vice Chair Joe Baca Jr. requested and supervisors approved the removal of data processing and storage centers from the list of permitted uses, citing electricity and water consumption concerns. Supervisors also strengthened a condition requiring the developer to complete two replacement homes before any business park buildings can be occupied, to ensure compliance with state housing laws. Supervisor Paul Cook abstained from the vote.
The project previously faced legal challenges, with a San Bernardino County Superior Court judge having set aside its environmental approval due to deficiencies in the county's initial environmental analysis. PC4EJ continues to criticize the board's decision, stating that the amendments do not resolve their legal concerns regarding compliance with the Housing Crisis Act, CEQA, and Assembly Bill 98.
While union labor, represented by Julie Luu of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, supported the project for its job creation and adherence to labor standards, residents like Joaquin Castillejos argued that the economic benefits do not outweigh the long-term health and quality-of-life impacts. Advocates have vowed to continue challenging the project, which also includes a community benefits agreement for over $5 million in initial infrastructure improvements and an additional $1 million annually.