In Rural Residential Vista/San Marcos
Proposed high density rezoning in rural community draws scorn of local residents.

Vista, CA – On Thursday, January 28, 2020, from 2:00 – 4:00pm, a group of local residents will come together in a socially distanced protest to oppose the proposed rezoning of 5 acres near the Smilax Road/Mimosa Avenue intersection from single family homes with 2 units per acre to multi-residential homes with 15 units per acre.

The Smilax Townhome Project, proposed by developer KB Homes, would permit a 62-unit, multi-family townhome development, on property that is currently zoned for 9 single family homes.

According to long term Vista resident, Ken Knight, this project has been pushed through quietly without the community being informed. “Only 30 residences were notified by the County in accordance with regulations requiring notice to only those residences within 300 feet of the project. This project has been in the works for a year and a half, and the only sign notifying residents about the development was posted on the property about two weeks ago.”

The community has expressed concerns over the increased safety hazards to already high-risk pedestrian traffic where many of the roads adjoining the projects have no sidewalks and young children walking to school. Vista resident Celeste de la Victoria says “The two-lane roads here are already overburdened with traffic gridlocks during rush hours from the school and the industrial parks on Poinsettia.

The County estimates another additional 500 trips per day coming out of the
project but then says it won’t be a significant impact. Anyone who lives here or travels through for work cannot imagine hundreds more cars on these narrow, Frated roads. We simply don’t have the infrastructure to support this kind of density.”

In addition, the City of Vista raised concerns with increased density due to potential annexation in to the City in the future. In an email sent to the County, the Director of Community Development & Engineering states, “this property is within Our Sphere of Influence and our General Plan designates this area as Low Density (LD), which is 2DU/AC (two dwelling units per acre). This proposal would not be consistent with our GP (General Plan) if annexed in the future, and therefore the City of Vista does not support the application.” The project, approved by the San Diego County Planning Commission in November 2020, is now headed for a final vote by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors at a virtual meeting on February 10, 2021.

Residents are urged to participate and express their views as follows:
• Residents can sign an online petition opposing the project rezoning at
www.NoSmilaxRezone.org and check for updates on community activities.
• Residents can join in a socially distanced protest: Thursday, Jan. 28th 2-4pm; Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School.
• Residents may submit eComments to the County Board of Supervisors
beginning February 3, 2021 and to register to speak at the meeting. See San
Diego County Board of Supervisors website.