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Transportation key to NFL stadium in Oceanside
By: DAVID STERRETT - Staff Writer | ∞
OCEANSIDE ---- The viability of building an NFL stadium in Oceanside depends on the parking and transportation needed to accommodate 60,000 fans on game days, San Diego Chargers and city officials agreed Thursday after a two-hour meeting.
"It clearly all comes back to traffic and the question of how you can manage traffic," said Mark Fabiani, the team's lead negotiator.
Fabiani met in San Marcos with a group of North County business leaders earlier in the day to talk about the Chargers' interest in Oceanside as a possible site for a new stadium before sitting down with Oceanside staffers for more detailed talks.
Chargers and city officials have zeroed in on the approximately 70-acre, city-owned golf course near the intersection of Interstate 5 and Oceanside Boulevard as a possible stadium site.
The Chargers want to leave aging Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley within the next decade for a new state-of the art facility that could generate more money. Team officials have said they want to stay in San Diego County and have identified Chula Vista, National City and Oceanside as potential homes.
Thursday was the second time that Fabiani met with Oceanside officials after the team and city expressed interest at the start of the year in considering a stadium on the Center City Golf Course, also known as Goat Hill because of its steep terrain.
"A lot of important issues and potential constraints need to be worked through," City Attorney John Mullen said after the meeting with Fabiani. "Both sides will work in good faith to try and overcome the issues."
Mullen and Fabiani said the city and team will need to spend the next couple of weeks studying parking and transportation options for a stadium.
Team officials have said that one reason they're interested in the Oceanside site is because of its proximity to Interstate 5 and several rail lines.
The 22-mile Sprinter light-rail running between Escondido and Oceanside will stop near the proposed stadium site ---- the rail is scheduled to start running at the end of this year ---- and many residents could take coastal trains from San Diego, Orange or Los Angeles counties to Oceanside and then take the Sprinter to the stadium.
Despite the rail lines, some residents living near the golf course, ringed with homes, parkland and businesses, have complained that a stadium would flood the area with traffic on game days.
Fabiani has said traffic is also an important issue for the team because the Chargers want to make sure fans can conveniently reach games.
As a result, the number of parking spaces needed for a stadium in Oceanside will determine if the golf course site is large enough for the Chargers, Fabiani said.
"We are doomed if we have to park thousands of cars on the site," Fabiani said.
More parking spaces would mean less room available on the site for houses, shops or an entertainment complex that the team is hoping to build. The team wants a city to provide it land for a stadium and a development, saying revenues from a development could help pay for the stadium.
Mullen said that Fabiani mentioned in Thursday's meeting the possibility of building an entertainment complex with related shops and activities on the site. But Mullen said the team has no site plan and needs to work with architects, engineers, and land planners to determine what type of development could work on the site.
Mullen said the type of development will impact how much parking is needed. Fabiani said, however, the type of development will also depend a lot on how much parking needs to be included in the site.
He said Qualcomm Stadium has about 16,000 parking spots spread across 120 acres, making it one of the largest parking lots in North America.
Despite all the stadium parking, Fabiani said that about 30 percent of fans have used the trolley to get to team games.
"We already get a significant number of fans on the trolley, and that is a very high number for the NFL," Fabiani said.
He said the only way to increase the number of fans who take public transportation to games is to make it more convenient.
Offering more trains with shorter waits and lines could cut back on the number of parking spots needed at the stadium, Fabiani said.
He said the city will have to look at all the available parking along rail lines, how many fans the rail lines could accommodate and how much parking is near the site.
The city and team also want to get an update from the California Department of Transportation about the state agency's plan to widen Interstate 5 from eight to 14 lanes in the area, Fabiani said.
Before heading to Oceanside for the afternoon meeting, Fabiani spoke to members of the San Diego North County Economic Development Council about the team's site search.
The business group with 100 members is based in San Marcos and promotes economic development in the North County area.
The group has formed a committee to help the Chargers find a home in the region, and the group's leaders said Thursday that they were impressed with the team's commitment both to try to stay in San Diego and to build a stadium without a significant public subsidy.
After hearing Fabiani's presentation, group members said they were excited about the possibility of the team coming to Oceanside.
"It would be a great coup for North County to have the Chargers here," said Scott Strand, owner of an Escondido production company who was chosen Tuesday to serve as chairman of the group's Chargers committee. "There is probably a lot of money on the table for the city who gets an NFL team, and Oceanside should really push for the Chargers."
Contact staff writer David Sterrett at (760) 901-4067 or dsterrett@nctimes.com.
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Jane wrote on Feb 2, 2007 3:20 AM:With all respect for Mullen, the attorney, what deal of this size has he negotiated? His role is to advise the legal aspects of a contract. The reason Oceanside will lose big whether the Chargers build here or leave Oceanside will be the inexperience of the city negotiators, all bureaucrats. Fabiani will own the city. Why not do it right this time Oceanside?
Herman wrote on Feb 2, 2007 3:57 AM:Why not wait til the Chargers finish with Chula Vista before expending any more energy? The Chargers are clearly much further along with Chula Vista to the tune of $200,000 and studies. Wait and assure Oceanside is not used as a bargaining ploy.
Randy wrote on Feb 2, 2007 6:29 AM:If transportation is key to an NFL stadium in Oceanside, it's a shame that Oceanside has no representative on the SANDAG transportation subcommittee!
Stay Out Of It wrote on Feb 2, 2007 6:44 AM:"It would be a great coup for North County to have the Chargers here," said Scott Strand ... of course he thinks it's a great idea. He's in Escondidido and won't have to live anywhere near it!! The same goes for this ridiculous economic board based in San Marcos. They should have nothing to say as they have nothing invested and, therefore, nothing to lose.
SoCal Mommie wrote on Feb 2, 2007 8:55 AM: I beleive it would be a great opportunity for Oceanside to be the home of the Chargers. It would help improve the city finacially, give it a better name and open more jobs. It would bring more tourists in for the city and it's nearby neighbors like Vista and Carlsbad. Regardless of traffic and delays, we North County should be used to that especially during Summer with Del Mar Fair, and with all the idiots out there who don't know how to slow down and follow speed limits, I mean it's everday life issues. At least we can open more jobs, attract new people, celebrate a super bowl one year, have local events, block parties, businesses would boom all around. Totally love the thought and I'm not even a Charger fan!!!!!
Concerned-1 wrote on Feb 2, 2007 9:26 AM:In the big picture, Oceanside is an ideal location (key word) for the Chargers. I allows more people access than any of the SD alternatives. Most importantly (to most of us), it keeps the Chargers in San Diego. I think it would be a boon for the City of Oceanside in many ways and give the citizens something to be proud of. All that said, there will surely be some challenges and hurdles, and obsticals. But, nothing ventured nothing gained!
Ed wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:01 AM:The article forgot to talk about one of the other biggest parking lots in North America, I-5. If they build a stadium in Oceanside, people may as well forget trying to drive anywhere near the 5. With the Del Mar Fair, the horse races and now a football stadium, the 5 should prove to take the title of "largest parking lot in North America."
How to ruin a seaside town wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:39 AM:Does Oceanside really need or want the largest parking lot in north america? It sounds like a nightmare to me.
Stuck on College wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:43 AM:All the more reason to build the RDO interchange!!!
To SoCal Mommie wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:44 AM:Add to all that the diminished property values and quality of life that all those in the immediate area will have ... you're right ... it sounds like a great idea.
There go your property values!!! wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:48 AM:Oakland Raiders fans meet Oceanside's Black, Latino, and Samoan gangs. How lovely. Oceanside becomes ground zero in the coming gang wars. Street riots, arson, and looting in Loma Alta after the game?
To Senior Citizens wrote on Feb 2, 2007 11:02 AM:To all seniors that are over 60 years don't worry about the stadium being built. You probably won't be alive to see it.
Michael wrote on Feb 2, 2007 11:24 AM:Imagine...the potential for Oceanside homeowners, the positive outways the negative 10 fold. Oceanside would become a destination MECCA. MAKE IT HAPPEN!
To there go your property wrote on Feb 2, 2007 11:40 AM:Values....think positive! As SoCalMommie said we already have the summer traffic going through Oside. I suggest parking structures on the west side of I-5 via Brooks Street bridge. Get rid of the barrio Center Street.
LOL wrote on Feb 2, 2007 11:41 AM:To, To Senior Citizens, that was funny thnaks. LMAO
To Michael wrote on Feb 2, 2007 12:04 PM:Oh yeah ... the potential for Oceanside homeowners. It's hard for the positive to outweigh the negative when the postive property values we now enjoy end up in the negative numbers. NO THANKS!
Senior 2 wrote on Feb 2, 2007 12:26 PM:To all you youngsters...you know we used to be young too, and way cooler than you, so don't bust too much of a gut at our expense.
Great idea! wrote on Feb 2, 2007 12:33 PM:Let's take all the Sprinter parking away from the locals who it is supposed to be for. I personally can hardly wait until I have hundreds of cars, trash,noise and crime in my neighborhood by the Sprinter Line from Chargers fans..goody...goody...
Re: To there go your property wrote on Feb 2, 2007 12:48 PM:Traffic is far from the biggest factor that influences property values and the least of my worries as an O-Side homeowner within walking distance from Goat Hill. Try thinking about all the other things that surround a major sports arena. I've been to Petco and was personally nervous having to park my car within 20 blocks ... let alone having to walk back to it after dark. NO THANKS!
George wrote on Feb 2, 2007 2:37 PM:A parking structure that surrounds the stadium means you will be able to park on the same level as your seat. That also means you won't have to walk so far to get to your seat. The stadium in San Diego has 5 levels. If Oceanside's stadium has the same number of levels, a five-story parking structure would be easy to build since some structures are ten stories or even higher. As a bonus, elevated ramps to Interstate 5 from the structure would minimize congestion on the city streets. 30,000 parking spots (carpools have two occupants per vehicle, right?) on five levels works out to 6,000 spaces per level compared to Qualcomm's 19,000 ground-level spaces. That's a much smaller footprint! As a bonus, that parking could be used on "off days" for Sprinter riders. This stadium might just be beneficial in more ways than just football games!
Gangs wrote on Feb 2, 2007 2:44 PM:I think the comment about gang activity being centered around the stadium raises a real issue....just another reason we don't want this thing in central Oceanside.
To Great idea wrote on Feb 2, 2007 3:19 PM:This is Oceanside - don't try to act like you don't have to deal with trash, noise and crime in your neighborhood already. It's no wonder the rest of county has passed us by in development and growth....and the money that comes with development and growth. The stadium isn't an everyday venue, people. 8-to-10 Sundays a year, that's it! Not every event held there will attract what an NFL crowd attracts.
Joe B wrote on Feb 2, 2007 5:05 PM:Wood had an opportunity to be on sandag but refused. I think that this is just another way Oceanside shoots itself in the foot. When are we going to have decent representation.
hey property values wrote on Feb 2, 2007 5:19 PM:First of all we have a couple of white gangs in the area too. My second point to you is this....have you ever seen or heard of a riot at Qualcomm after the game? I didn't think so. Arson and Looting, is the sky falling too chicken little?
to all the naysayers wrote on Feb 2, 2007 5:26 PM:Take a few minutes this weekend and drive down the street just south of Goat Hill, I believe its Apple street. Drive slow and take it all in, not too slow you could be carjacked by someone coming out of the meth clinic or soup kitchen off of O'side Blvd. Now tell me how lovely your city is and how that area doesn't need a makeover. Take a look at the apartments too, beautiful aren't they, right off of a postcard I would say......of Detroit! Seriously, go check it out. Be careful though!
o'sider 4 life wrote on Feb 2, 2007 5:29 PM:When they take the golf course away can they take all the bums that hang out on O'side Blvd too! Redevelop the whole hill, apartments, shady strip malls, .99 cent stores, we don't need that trash around here.
Hasta.. wrote on Feb 2, 2007 6:07 PM:Hasta to Chula Vista, baby! Go Chargers Go! All the way to Chula Vista!
Danny wrote on Feb 2, 2007 7:04 PM:GOD WILLING THE CHARGERS MOVE TO OCEANSIDE. NORTH COUNTY LOVES THE CHARGERS! WE WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS, NO MATTER THE COSTS!!!!!!!. period.
It's a math problem wrote on Feb 2, 2007 8:10 PM:60,000 people in the stadium, 20,000 will come by transit, 40,000 will drive 4 to a car. Parking will be needed for 10,000 cars at 300 Sq.Ft. per car, this totals 68 acres for parking. This does not the 15 acres for the staduim, plus shops, condos and hotels. How many acres is Goat Hill again? And how many travel lanes of street and how many hour will be necessary to exit 10,000 cars? We need some serious help here folks!
Why do People Equate Gangs with Stadiums wrote on Feb 2, 2007 8:37 PM:I really fail to see the connection of stadiums and gangs. Sounds like a George Bush lie, remember the WMD in Iraq. Get real people, quite looking for excuses. I like the idea of the parking lot becoming part of a major transportation hub in Southern California. As for congestion, I have been parking in the neighborhood at the top of Coryell Pass for years. The neighbors up there are good natured about the infrequent inconveniece of people clogging the streets, it only lasts for a few hours and is gone quickly after the Chargers win. hahahahah
WE WANT CHARGERS wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:36 PM:The economic growth that will come from the Chargers moving to N. County is what we all have been praying for. We welcome the traffic 16 games a year. Come on in Chargers Oceanside wants you.
Go Chargers wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:38 PM:We want Chargers, We want Chargers, we want Chargers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Season ticket holders hates to commute to SD. I live in OCEANSIDE!!!!!!!
CHargers Come home to MAMA wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:39 PM:Bring it on. Oceanside Chargers.
Get real and get out of Oside wrote on Feb 3, 2007 7:53 AM:As many others have already stated, the logistics of getting cars into and out of the proposed stadium is a NIGHTMARE!! There is no way our streets can handle the flood of cars that would come as a result of Chargers games. Give me a break..people aren't going to use PUBLIC transportation....HELLO TAILGAITERS!!! Isn't the constant traffic on the 5&15 enough to show us that for the most part people like to drive their own cars. ESPECIALLY to a CHARGER GAME>>>>did I mention TAILGAITING!!! This idea is doomed and so is Oceanside if it happens. I am a proud Oside homeowner and I'm seriously worried about my property values should this take place. Send the Chargers to CHULA VISTA....That's just as close to the 5 and public transportation too!!! SAY NO OCEANSIDE!!!!!!
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