A “Main Street” for the Community of Carmel Valley San Diego?

One Paseo Proposed Devleopment

On an early Saturday morning, the community of Carmel Valley San Diego gathered to discuss the development of One Paseo, a “Mainstreet” for the community of Carmel Valley. One Paseo is a community project proposed by Kilroy Realty and in efforts to help educate and inform the community, a community workshop was held on September 24, 2011 at 9a.m. at Ocean Air Elementary School.

This proposed development has been at the forefront of a sensitive debate for the community since December 2009. In addition, it has been something that the community of Carmel Valley San Diego has been very involved in – the completely full parking lot at the local Ocean Air school is evidence of this, not to mention also that parking was pushed into neighboring streets on this day.

On the day of the workshop, the community was able to hear from both those who are against and those who are for the project. There is a short video compilation below, of some of the feedback local residents expressed on the day of the meeting. In addition, here is some information about the project from the “Friends of Mainstreet,” and those against it (a.k.a. “What Price Main Street?”).

“Friends of Mainstreet”

• Carmel Valley San Diego community’s first “Main Street.” One Paseo will provide the community of Carmel Valley San Diego with its very own “1st and Main Street” where all ages can gather, dine, shop, be entertained, or simply relax.  Residents are tired of having to go to Del Mar or further downtown for shopping, good dining, and nightlife – One Paseo will give Carmel Valley a place to call our own.
• A Better Use. The property is currently zoned for office buildings with no limit on height, and surface parking.  The One Paseo mixed -use plan is much better use of the space, helping fill the void of what’s currently lacking in the Carmel Valley San Diego community.  The property is uniquely situated to create a central gathering place  – at the center of an already mixed-used neighborhood – with a variety of shops, restaurants, residential alternatives and office employment.
• Sustainability and Green Design. Kilroy Realty s pursuing a Leadership in Energy and environmental Design (LEED) certification of One Paseo and is committed to building a  “green” project that can serve as a model for the rest of San Diego.
• Walkable Neighborhood. One Paseo will complete the Carmel Valley San Diego Community Plan with a truly walkable atmosphere with human-scale streets, pedestrian and bike-friendly paths and linkages, and a host of amenities within reach.
• Jobs and Economic Activity. It is estimated that One Paseo will create 2,345 permanent jobs, 2,588 direct construction-related jobs, and 2,141 indirect construction-related jobs – and will generate a substantial amount of economic acitivity in the region to the tune of $755 million.
• Revenue for the City. One Paseo will provide a sizable economic boost for the area, pumping millions in revenue into San Diego’s budget.  A fiscal impact study recently concluded that our plan will generate $4.3 million in gross annual revenues.
• Money for Local Schools. The same fiscal impact study concluded our plan will generate $34 million in fees to local schools.
• No Cost to Residents. There will be zero city subsidies or credits since the project is privately funded.
• Local Traffic Improvements. Kilroy Realty will provide millions in funding for local traffic improvements that will correct current traffic flow problems on Del Mar Heights Road., El Camino Real, and I-5.

“What Price Main Street?” – opposed to Project

• 4x more traffic and 2 new traffic signlas on Del Mar Heights Road equal longer response times for fire, emergency medical and police services.
• More traffic will divert through residential streets to avoid clogged arterial roads.
• Retail uses generate 7 to 12 times more traffic than a similar amount of office space.
• Why unnecessarily aggravate an already serious traffic problem?  If Kilroy wants to provide a nice community amenity, it can be done with a much smaller project with much lesser negative impacts.
• Slant-range aerials tend to minimize the visual impact of tall buildings, but the aerial rendering taken from plans submitted to the City, begins to provide a glimpse of the enormity of the One Paseo/Main Street project relative to the surrounding area.
• 608 new residential units with minimal usable open space will further impact already crowded the Carmel Valley San Diego community parks and recreational fields.
• The need to have parking structures up to 7 levels is still another indication of the character-changing urban density being super-imposed on our existing master-planed suburban neighborhood.

The proposed Carmel Valley San Diego community mixed-use development, is an idea that has created opponents and supporters.   Like with any change, there is resistance.  And when anyone promises positive improvements people get excited, while others remain concerned.

One thing is for sure…something will get built on this lot eventually.  The important question is, as a community, what will our actions do to the ultimate outcome and the final decision?

 

 

David A. Moya is a community contributor and influencer for positive change. As the founder of The Carmel Valley Life, he focuses on education and transparency. During his earlier years, he fed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded a company called Motivus International Inc, which focuses on the development of young individuals who are committed to peak performance. David went on to pay for his BA in Finance through his real estate business and after graduating flew more than 30 flights to over 10 countries in order to master the art of communication and business. Today, he enjoys creating value for his community by leading a movement of responsibility – one of sharing knowledge, stories and a helping hand.