San Elijo Hills Town Center Apartment Complex: State Laws, Exemptions, and Growing Community Concerns
The proposed apartment complex in the San Elijo Hills Town Center continues to face strong opposition from residents, local businesses, and community leaders. Concerns about safety, parking, evacuation challenges, and the project’s overall impact on the community were front and center at a meeting held Thursday.
Developer’s Limited Representation Raises Eyebrows
The developer, Ambient Communities, did not attend the meeting but sent their chief architect and civil engineer to represent the project. However, the absence of the project owner and Ambient leadership frustrated attendees, who felt key decision-makers were avoiding direct engagement with the community. A videographer was present to document the meeting for the developer, further underscoring their absence. Adding to the frustration, Ambient’s architect left the meeting early.
Key Issues Raised at the Meeting
Blocked Views and Parking Challenges
Residents of adjacent condominiums expressed frustration, noting that the new development would block their views. They also raised concerns about limited parking and increased traffic flow, fearing the situation will worsen with the influx of new residents.
Impact on Local Businesses
Business owners in the San Elijo Hills Town Center highlighted how the project could strain parking availability, making it harder for customers to access their establishments. Many worried this could threaten the sustainability of their businesses.
Evacuation and School Safety Concerns
Residents voiced alarm over evacuation challenges, referencing the gridlock during the 2014 Cocos Fire, when it took over two hours for some to leave the area. The project’s proximity to two local schools amplified these safety concerns.
Rooftop Deck Safety Risks
A sheriff’s department representative confirmed residents’ concerns about the proposed rooftop deck, citing safety risks due to its proximity to the schools. This acknowledgment bolstered the opposition’s arguments.
Developer’s Arguments Met with Pushback
The project’s architect and civil engineer claimed the development would have less impact on traffic and parking compared to alternative property uses. However, attendees challenged these claims, arguing that the existing infrastructure cannot support the added burden of high-density housing. Concerns over parking and traffic calculations were heavily disputed.
No Community Support
Not a single attendee voiced support for the project, emphasizing the overwhelming opposition from residents, business owners, and community members.
HOA and Leadership Perspectives
The HOA board and president presented survey results showing strong support for an alternative plan: having the HOA purchase the lot to maintain community control over its future. While this proposal has gained traction, the high cost of the property and the challenge of mobilizing enough votes remain significant obstacles. Financing and assessment details must be resolved before the community can proceed to a vote.
Elected Officials and Missing Leadership
No San Marcos City elected officials attended the meeting, a decision that drew criticism from many residents. Community members stressed the importance of collaboration between city leaders, developers, and the HOA to find a solution that prioritizes public safety and aligns with the character of the town.
What’s Next?
With mounting concerns about safety, parking, and traffic, the future of the San Elijo Hills Town Center lot remains uncertain. However, variances from the San Elijo Hills master plan appear to be permitted under California housing mandates, which include low-income rental properties as part of the project. Residents, local businesses, and the HOA continue to advocate for alternatives while demanding greater accountability from the developer and city officials.
For more details, read and watch Fox 5 News coverage
Please see the following City website for further information: https://www.san-marcos.net/city-services/development-services/planning/public-workshops
If you have any questions or comments related to this project or this notice, please contact Chris Garcia, Senior Planner, at [email protected] or 760-744-1050, ext. 323
