Oceana residents unhappy with 6-story mixed-use development – San Diego Union-Tribune

The more than 55-year-old Oceanside community of about 1,000 single-story homes built in the 1960s is unhappy with its likely new neighbor, a six-story mixed-use “tower” proposed as an access road to El Camino Real.

The Vista Bella development near Oceana will include 73 apartments, four workspaces and ground-story commercial space. It would replace an aging two-story office building currently on the property at the corner of Vista Bella and Vista Rey streets, between Coastline Baptist Church and a gas station.

More than 200 Oceana residents sent letters to the city opposing the project, most of them objecting to the 60-foot height and the number of apartments in the project.

“The development plan is shockingly large for a parcel of less than two acres, with or without a density bonus,” reads Rena Wallenius’ letter.

“The road situation is of greatest concern for the safety of our elderly residents in the area,” Wallenius said.

Many people walk their dogs, use buses and attend church in the area, she added. Some residents called the proposed building a “tower” that would block views, sunlight and sea breezes.

Still, the Oceanside Planning Commission voted 3-1 on Monday to approve the project, with Commissioner Louise Balma voting no. Balma said it agreed with the concerns raised by residents.

Other commissioners said state laws passed to address the housing crisis left Oceanside no option to stop the project. Cities across California face a similar dilemma.

“We have to work within the law,” said Commissioner Jay Malik, adding that people who want changes should contact state legislators.

Representatives for the developer said they are doing everything they can to build much-needed housing within state and local guidelines, which is sometimes a balancing act.

“We try very hard to be sensitive to the community,” said Morgan Gallagher, an Orange County real estate attorney.

Under state law, the project qualifies to build more housing units on the parcel than the city’s zoning allows, something called a “density bonus” because 15% of the units are reserved for very low-income residents. Although state law allows for an increase of up to 100%, the developer is only asking for 50% of the city’s zoning plan, which would allow for the construction of 51 apartments in the area.

“We are entering a new era,” said Gary Miller, an architect working on the project. “These new regulations have turned housing development upside down.”

With a 100% density bonus allowed under state law, the developer could build as many as 102 apartments, Miller said.

Studies conducted for the project show that it will have a minor impact on traffic, he added. Vehicle traffic volumes at nearby intersections are expected to remain at city standards.

“What we’re trying to achieve here is high-quality design,” Miller said.

The apartments will have 9-foot ceilings and quartz countertops, he said. Studios will be 364 square feet, one-bedroom apartments will be 705 square feet, and two-bedroom apartments will be 1,043 and 1,155 square feet. The four first-floor residential units will be 786 square feet.

Originally published: October 30, 2024 at 11:29 am PDT