Oasis center in Devore draws attention of High Desert residents

The Oasis retail center at Glen Helen Parkway in Devore has drawn the attention of many High Desert residents.

Situated on nearly 33 acres between the Interstate 15 and the Glen Helen Parkway exit near Glen Helen Regional Park, the commercial and retail center is planned for:

• A large hotel
• A gym
• Police and fire stations
• Two large restaurants
• Seven drive-thru eateries
• Two gas stations/convenience stores
• A market
• Retail shops.

Oasis is part of San Bernardino County’s long-term development plan, which was created nearly two decades ago.

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimous approved the project on June 11, more than a year after the development was proposed in January 2023.

The board approved the proposed ordinance amending the Glen Helen specific plan, a tentative parcel map, and a planned development permit to authorize the construction and operation of the project.

County officials stated the developer is preparing to obtain a permit to grade the land for the project. There is no time for the project.

The applicant is UCR Group, LLC.

Support, opposition

Steven Ross of Victorville, who commutes daily to Ontario for work, told the Daily Press that more food options and a gas station would be ideal for the location.

“Building a hotel, a gas station and restaurants near the Glen Amphitheater is a no-brainer,” Ross said. “That’s a win-win situation for everybody.”

County officials received letters of support and opposition to the project.

Arthur Bishop, the mayor pro tem of Apple Valley, told the planning commission that he supports the Glen Helen specific plan amendment and project.

Bishop explained that nearly six years ago, he had the privilege of knowing the project applicant when the town began working on the Brightline West high-speed rail project between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas.

Bishop said the proposed changes to the existing Glen Helen specific plan destination recreation zone will benefit the residents of the county.

“I had the opportunity to review the plan and how it affects Interstate 15 while I was president of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority last year,” Bishop said. “I believe this project will help benefit both transportation within the county and the specific area of Interstate 15 as well as our residents.”

Valerie Henry said she has lived in Devore for 38 years and has seen the quiet, country, equestrian community drastically change.

“We can’t ride our horses on Devore Road or Kenwood without fearing being hit,” Henry stated. “I am concerned with this project as it will add more traffic to our community which will further deteriorate our quality of life.”

Henry raised issues about noise, air pollution from large commercial trucks and traffic congestion making it nearly impossible to get in or out of Devore.

“The Devore Road bridge needs additional lanes to handle the added traffic that wants to access the I-215 or I-15,” Henry said. ‘We had a young bicyclist killed on the bridge a few years ago.”

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz