Will Solana Beach grow smart?
By: North County Times Opinion Staff - | ∞
Our view: Cedros Crossing project the crucial test for planners' dream
If "smart growth" can't make it in Solana Beach, can it make it anywhere?
For decades, regional planners have touted the idea that homes, offices and retail shops should be built close to each other and with easy access to public transportation. Solana Beach's long-delayed and endangered Cedros Crossing project is Exhibit A.
The project includes a 517-space parking garage, 141 residential units, restaurants, offices, stores and a theater. Now a parking lot for the Solana Beach train station, the site is next to public transportation such as Amtrak, the Coaster and bus lines. It is close to shopping and entertainment. It's a few blocks from the beach. It is the very definition of smart growth .
Last week, after five years of planning and discussion, the Solana Beach City Council risked this $50 million development and a $6 million state grant after expressing last-minute concerns about traffic .
Traffic is a legitimate concern -- the price of success, perhaps -- but the Solana Beach location is about as good as it gets for backers of smart growth. If the City Council of this small seaside city bends to the pressure of a few NIMBY neighbors and lets this opportunity slip away, planners would have to wise up about smart growth's chances anywhere in North County.
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Another ridiculous editorial wrote on Jul 25, 2007 9:58 PM:Obviously, once again written by the pro-developer Repub on staff. That is the problem with you guys. The existing residents lose all their rights to the quiet enjoyment of their homes and neighborhoods all for pursuit of the holy buck. Traffic should never be the price of success as you have written. Shame on you!
George wrote on Jul 26, 2007 12:32 PM:Has smart growth done well in North County? Take a look at the Stonegate Project which offered only two two-lane roads to access a 2,700 home development. An outraged citizenry put a stop to it, demanding a safer design. Take a look at Palomar Station, where concerned residents are putting a measure on the ballot requiring a direct vote on all large developments. Take a look at the high density Paramount Housing development in which three condo towers erupted in flames. It is considered to be the largest structure fire in Escondido's history. It's pretty clear that 'smart growth' is bad for North County!
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