Redlands Council Says No to Project with Mandated Security Camera

After several months of negotiating with developer BNY Inc., it appears residents along Occidental Drive in Redlands will not have to deal with new townhomes.

There will be no zone change, 34 new townhomes or a security camera capturing the daily lives of people coming in and out of a new development. The City Council recently decided it would not support the project, though the issue was officially continued to the May 1 meeting.

“It’s a difficult decision to make because, on the one hand, I believe this type of project has a place in our communities,” said Mayor Pro-tem Paul Foster.

BNY Inc. had proposed building the group of townhomes north of Brockton Avenue near the University of Redlands among the rows of single-family homes. But almost from the start, the project has been criticized because of its effort to fit the townhomes, which originally numbered 36, onto 3.14 acres property.

The majority of residents to address the council had protested. Protests got even louder when the Redlands Police Department added a requirement that the developers include city-operated surveillance equipment.

Some members of the audience and councilman Jerry Bean called the measure invasive and excessive. At the April 17 meeting, Bean cautioned the staff against making this a condition in future projects.

“I think this is a very bad trend” Bean said.

“I support surveillance cameras, I do not support them in that circumstance,” he added.

Foster said he agreed with most of Bean’s comments, but not with his issue with the surveillance requirement. The position of the camera had been discussed and would have not been pointed at residents.

“I think certain project that are gated in their concept … there is a place for that in protecting our community and I think it should at least be considered,” Foster said.

“Many gated communities have cameras at their gate,” Foster said. “And I know for a fact that many of them would love to have it wired right into the police station rather than some rent–a-cop type security firm.”

The May 1 council meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the Redlands City Hall.