Carmel Valley housing project to be reconsidered Monday

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A $750 million mixed-use development planned for Carmel Valley that has drawn opposition from many area residents was scheduled to be considered by the San Diego City Council Monday.

The 23.6-acre One Paseo development proposes nearly 1.5 million square feet of floor space, which includes more than 600 units of multi-family housing, retail and offices south of Del Mar Heights Road, between El Camino Real and High Bluff Drive.

The project by Kilroy Realty would be composed of 10 buildings ranging from two- to nine-stories, also would include a cinema, landscaping and nearly 3,700 parking spaces.

Opponents, who created a website at http://www.whatpricemainstreet.com, contend the development would destroy the affluent neighborhood in northwest San Diego with its “urban size and scale.”

The project will create terrible traffic, worsen parking frustrations and create dangers for bicyclists and pedestrians, according to the website.

A large number of area residents who oppose the project are expected to attend the council meeting, enough so that city officials plan to begin sitting attendees early. Overflow seating areas are also planned.

Many supporters of the project also are expected to be on-hand.

Kilroy says it has reduced density by 30 percent from the original plans, and lowered the height of the tallest buildings by 10 percent. The design also includes nearly 11 acres of open space, including a town green, pocket parks and walking paths.

At an October hearing, the city’s Planning Commission voted to forward the project to the City Council without recommendation for passage. The commissioners issued 11 suggestions, including limiting the heights of buildings, preventing an increase of vehicle traffic generated by special events, and expanding a shuttle system for the area.

The council will have to take a series of actions at the meeting, expected to run into Monday evening. Among them are certifying the environmental impact report, adopting amendments to the city’s general plan and neighborhood’s community plan, rezoning the land, and approving permits.