Fontana Residents Fight Against Condo Project

A large condominium project in an open area of San Bernardino County has spawned the biggest development fight in town.

Last week, city officials in Fontana voted to approve a 255-unit gated condo complex from Newport Beach-based developer NH Southridge. In addition to the two-story condos, NH’s plans call for a pool, children’s play areas and a public park and trail, the Southern California News Group reported on Friday.

But within days of the project’s approval outraged residents fought back, delivering a petition to City Hall that demanded the City Council rescind the approval. The residents are mostly concerned about losing a swath of open space that the public uses for hiking, birdwatching and other recreation.

“The vote to take away a valuable community treasure adjacent to Southridge Park is unacceptable without a complete Environmental Impact Report,” Liz Sena, founder of a local citizens group, said in a release.

The city approved the developer’s plans based on an EIR that was adopted in 1981 and anticipated residential development at the site, the Southern California News Group reported.

The condo development battle comes as Fontana residents have also pushed back against industrial development. Last week the City Council killed plans from another Newport Beach-based developer, Acacia Real Estate Group, to build three distribution warehouses in the city on 24 acres.

One councilman described his no vote on the project as “uncharacteristic,” citing the developer’s insufficient plan for traffic mitigation and community benefits.

— Trevor Bach