BIG BEAR – (INT) – Opponents of a proposed housing development on Big Bear Lake are on hold for a showdown with San Bernardino County Supervisors.

The County’s planning staff is recommending approval of a proposal for 50 luxury home sites only a half-mile from Big Bear Valley’s only bald eagle nest. The project on a forested lakefront site also calls for new roads, a private marina and a parking area.

County Supervisors were geared up to make a decision Tuesday. But, the developer is seeking more information in the environmental impact report, county spokesman David Wert said, and the 'supes' decision has been postponed.

Planners say the need for housing overshadows any harm that would be caused to bald eagles in the area. The Friends of Big Bear Valley point out there currently over 600 homes for sale, 150 more than a year ago, with many already on the market for over a year.

According to studies, opponents argue increases in housing density along the National Forest boundary escalates the fire risk for the whole area. They also point to -

-limited water supplies (nearby wells already run out of water in busy times),
-increased traffic on this already accident-prone section of highway,
-the unnecessary loss of endangered plant species and a rare habitat all of which exist there and nowhere else in the world. Less than 1/3 of it is planned for conservation.

Story Date: October 12, 2019