Hi everyone,
Since 2018, I’ve been working on a proposal to change County regulations for Mane Street in an attempt to get the codes that govern land use in the area aligned with Community interests, specifically encouraging reuse and preservation of historic structures and to ensure that growth occurs in a way that preserves Pioneertown’s community character and in a way that is compatible with the surrounding residential landscape. I’m now at a point where I’d like to share the proposal and get additional feedback before it is formally submitted to the County for consideration. I’ll be doing the first of two public presentations this Sunday at 7PM at Station 38 (5380 Mountain View). All are welcome.
What is this about?
Currently, Mane Street is not treated any differently by San Bernardino County as the rest of the Section 19 portion of Pioneertown – it has the same zoning, no special provisions to deal with businesses or tourists, and nothing that recognizes its historic importance. This proposal would create a special set of regulations for Mane Street that acknowledges its historic importance, and that ensures that commercial development is done in a manner that is compatible with the surrounding community, at a scale that is sustainable and maintains our community character, and encourages (and in some ways requires) the preservation of historic buildings and features.
What are you doing this?
As part of the Countywide Plan and Community Action Guide, San Bernardino COunty recognized the need for special regulations for Mane STreet, but left it to an individual or organization to develop them.
Who are you?
I’m a Pioneertown residents and Architect. My wife Jenny and I life on Red Ryder Road and are the landlords for the Red Dog Saloon; before moving to Red Ryder we lived on Mane Street. As part of my architectural practice, I have about twenty years experience in Land Use and have spent about ten years doing professional and community work within San Bernardino County. I initiated and was the project manager responsible for The Friends of Pioneertown’s effort to get Mane Street on the National Register of Historic Places, have a degree in Architectural History, and starting with the Red Dog Saloon have been working to restore and preserve Mane Street since we got here in 2012.
Who is paying for this??
No one – this is a personal project that I am doing without any compensation. In my architectural practice I am working or have worked for many people in Pioneertown; I am currently working with the owners of the Pioneertown Motel and White’s Grocery. I have previously consulted for the owners of the Sound Stage and the Pioneertown Corrals. My experience with these projects has informed this project, however none of my clients has any greater influence on this proposal than any other Mane Street or Pioneertown stakeholder.
Why didn’t you engage the community sooner?
Thai proposal is the result of discussions with Mane Street and community stakeholders, with whom I have consulted ove the last year; beginning about two months ago I started sharing the nearly complete draft with property owners and others in the community to get feedback and ensure that it was headed in a direction which could obtain community consensus. I am putting this out here at the earliest point where I feel comfortable that it is sufficiently complete for the greater community to comment on.
How will community feedback be incorporated?
Iam going to hold two public presentations and A&As to explain the proposal and get feedback; I also welcome feedback by email (k.ben.loescher [at] gmail.com). Once the proposal is revised to incorporate this feedback as appropriate, it will be formally submitted to San Bernardino County for consideration. County staff has indicated that there will be at least two additional opportunities for written comment and public hearings as part of the consideration of the proposal.
I’ll be periodically checking comments on this thread…
A link to the proposal is here: