[Update 3/2/2023: In response to a the appeal’s request that the project be redesigned for greater compatibility with the community and historic district, the PSTED and the applicant entered into a collaborative agreement to rework the project in an attempt to find an acceptable solution in advance of a hearing in front of the Board of Supervisors.
The applicant ultimately conceded to all of PSTED’s requests and provided a revised plan that restored appropriate setbacks, redesigned the facades and fencing to screen views of the trailers from Mane Street using wooden building facades, provided screening of parking and trash enclosures from Pioneertown road, agreed to a condition that Mane Street would remain unpaved and that all finishes would be non-reflective. In return, PSTED signed a Tolling Agreement to withdraw the appeal. The Trailer Motel owners will shortly have achieved Planning approval for the project, but will still need to obtain the other permits (building, fire, septic, water availability, etc) required to begin construction.
[Update 9/23/2002: San Bernardino County has confirmed that the Appeal will be heard at the December 6th Board of Supervisors Meeting. More detail to follow]
On July 7, 2022, the San Bernardino County Planning Commission heard an application to approve a 14 unit trailer motel on the .77 acre Mane Street parcel formally the location of Constance Walsh’s art installation. The project is in the midst of the National Register recognized Pioneertown Mane Street Historic District.
Despite overwhelming public comment in opposition at each step in the process, major errors in the Application and Staff Review and with no public support, the project was nonetheless unanimously approved. Public participation at that hearing was limited as the hearing notice mailed to Pioneertown residents did not indicate that the Joshua Tree Government Center would offer as a remote site, leading some members of the community to conclude that they would need to make an 146 mile round trip during a work day in order to participate in person.
On July 17, Pioneertown Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development (PSTED) filed an appeal to have the project reconsidered by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. It is expected that a hearing will be held before the end of August.
PSTED is a coalition of Pioneertown residents, formed to achieve sustainable investment and development in the high desert through wise community planning.