Flamingo Heights 640 Resort: Board of Supervisors to hear Appeal

In a predictably unsurprising turn of events, the developer has reversed course by withdrawing their project reduction scope changes. They have resubmitted their original project through legal counsel to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) after the Planning Commission's denial.

A hearing is scheduled for December 19th - 10 am at the San Bernardino County Government Center in the City of San Bernardino

We express our gratitude to Supervisor Rowe for facilitating the availability of the Joshua Tree Government Center for community members to participate via video.

While your in-person attendance is of utmost importance, for those who wish to submit public comments via email.

Meeting Materials:

• Agenda from last week's meeting (attached)

Talking Points:

• Points for each major category with assignments for speakers.

• Your input is not limited to these points or speaker designations; feel free to address any relevant aspect.

Carpool Spreadsheet:

• If you can offer a ride to SB on December 19th, please add your name, available seats, and contact information.

• Aim for at least 4-5 more names on the spreadsheet of those offering rides.

Mock Trial Details:

• Join our 'mock trial' on Monday, December 18th, at 6 pm at the Flamingo Heights Community Center for a practice session.

• During this session, we'll also present any appellant comments/adjustments we learn about the project from the BOS Agenda just days before the trial.

Next Steps:

• Mark your calendars for the December 19th BOS Meeting at 10 am (Board Chambers, 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue, 1st Floor San Bernardino, CA 92415).

• Draft your 3-minute comment. Everyone should have a chance to speak.

• Send your email letters ASAP to the BOS click here or directly at COB@sbcounty.gov.

Recycle and Reuse:

• Your comments from March's Planning Commission meeting were effective. Feel free to reuse your words and add talking points.

• Revisit the Planning Commission meeting for inspiration and explore our website for additional information.

We appreciate your commitment and look forward to seeing you in person at the appeal hearing!
PS: The Joshua Tree Government Center will be open for those unable to attend in San Bernardino; you'll be videoed in.

We wanted to provide you with a summary of the recent FH640 Glamping Taskforce Town Hall that took place on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the Flamingo Heights Community Association. The meeting was a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to address the proposed Flamingo 640 development and its potential impact on our community and the environment.

Here are the key points discussed during the Town Hall:

Introduction:

- The meeting began with an introduction by Chris Clarke, the associate director of the CA Desert Program of the National Parks Conservation Association and co-host of the podcast "90 Miles from Needles."

- Justin Merino from SaveOurDeserts.org provided insights into his involvement in various community organizations and his efforts to disseminate information about FH640.

Recap of FH640:

- Caroline Partamian, a community member, explained how the Save Flamingo Heights petition started via change.org in April 2021.

- The Glamping Taskforce's journey, which began in April 2021, was highlighted, including the comments due to Contract Planner Jim Morrissey in April 2022.

- The Planning Commission's denial of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Flamingo 640 in March 2023 was discussed.

Board of Supervisors or Planning Commission:

- The discussion revolved around who will hear the appeal, with uncertainty about whether it will be the Board of Supervisors (BOS) or Planning Commission.

- Efforts to expedite the appeal process were mentioned, with inquiries being made to the county.

Rural Living (RL) zoning:

- An update on the formal request to the Board of Supervisors to review allowable uses in the RL zone was provided.

- The proposal to classify developments as boutique lodging, major/minor campgrounds, and resorts was discussed.

RoBott Land Appeal:

- Documents from the developers were presented for the first time to the public which were schematics and the appeal letter which were submitted to the BOS for appeal.

- Community voices concerns about wildlife, flora, air and water quality, and other environmental impacts.

Next Steps:

- The importance of advocating for changes in allowable uses and updating outdated zoning ordinances was emphasized.

- Community members were encouraged to stay informed, join relevant email lists, and keep an eye on PC or BOS agenda postings.

- Calls to action included getting involved when the project appears on an agenda.

Summary:

- The official appeal of the Flamingo 640 project, filed on July 20, 2023, primarily focused on size and scale and lacked attention to environmental and traffic concerns.

- The community was urged to await updates and prepare to voice their opposition when the project is discussed by the BOS or Planning Commission.

Revised renderings submitted as part of developer appeal of the proposed site as it exists today and what it would look like if the project became a reality. (Click images to enlarge)

March 9th, 2023 Planning Commission Decision:

Despite a recommendation for approval from the County Department of Land Use Services, the project was “denied without prejudice” when no one on the planning commission was willing to make a motion to approve a Conditional Use Permit. Without that permit, the project cannot move forward. The developer now has ten days to appeal that decision to the board of supervisors. They may also resubmit the project for approval at a later date.

We thank the community for attending the hearing, submitting comments, and for engaging - stay tuned for future updates!

Watch the Planning Commission hearing:

A refresher, the project proposal is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to establish a destination resort in a Rural Zoned area to establish a 75-site campground on a portion of a 640-acre parcel. Changes to the original development plan include no public access to the proposed restaurant and bar; the amenities are now only available to patrons of the campground. In addition, the proposed helipad remains a part of the site plan as an emergency-use-only helicopter pad, with no aerial tours being conducted from the site. 

Accommodations: Up to 75 campsites of three distinct types:

• Camping Lofts – 1,230 square-feet (SF) each; 20 sites

• Camping Tents – 220 SF each; 35 sites

• Chalet – 850 SF each; 20 sites

Support Buildings/Areas

• Reception /Camp Store – 2,288 SF

• Restrooms – 1,120 SF each; 8 units

• Fire Pits –700 SF each; 4 units (gas-fired pit/no wood burning proposed)

• Pool/Patio – 3,000 SF

• Workshops – 3,600 SF each; 2 units

• Art Barn – 5,500 SF

• Restaurant – 10,108 SF

• Agave Bar – 5,500 SF

• Helipad – 7,854 SF (emergency use only)

• Storage Area: 25,275 SF

• Yoga Deck: 2,400 SF

• Retention area: 58,902 SF (subject to change)

• Sewage disposal area and expansion: 58,902 SF (subject to change)

Trails/Paths/Gardens

• Gardens – 212,000 SF

• Internal Paths/Walkways between buildings/ site activities

• External Trails for the remainder of the site (through the wash and east side of wash)

• Hiking in the area, along with buildings for crafts and other activities are proposed. 

• Notice of Hearing

• Agenda

  • LUS Final Staff Report

  • Public Comment Part 1

  • Public Comment Part 2

  • Public Comment Part 3

  • Revised Conditions of Approval Item 4

  • Support Material- Additional Comments Part 1 of 4

  • Support Material- Additional Comments Part 2 of 4

  • Support Material- Additional Comments Part 3 of 4

  • Support Material- Additional Comments Part 4 of 4

“Resort Camping- Proj-2020-00191”
https://lus.sbcounty.gov/planning-home/environmental/desert-region/

• Notice of Availability

• Initial Study

• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Impact Study

• Biological Resources Assessment and Jurisdictional Delineation

• Design Phase Geotechnical Report Part 1

• Design Phase Geotechnical Report Part 2

• Design Phase Geotechnical Report Part 3

• Fault Rupture Hazard Investigation

• Paleontological Resources Assessment Report

• Historical Archaeological Resources Survey

• Noise Assessment

• Vehicle Miles Traveled Assessment

• Trip Generation Report

• Plant Protection Plan