Join me Dec. 19 to oppose Pardee density plan

I am writing regarding the plans for development at I-15 and SR-76. Three developers are pursuing housing and commercial use of three separate parcels. My comments on the subject are based on three different perspectives which illustrate the basis for my genuine concern regarding plans for developing these parcels.

First, I have been a resident of Fallbrook since 1988. This is my home. Second, I am a community volunteer who has worked diligently to preserve and protect the rural nature of our community and the economic wellbeing of our town. Third, I regularly drive the I-15 and the 76 to work, at various times of the day and week. I have firsthand experience with quality of life issues associated with traffic. I have joined other individuals with similar concerns as a board member of Fallbrook Fair Plan.

Zoning decisions have a tremendous impact on the nature of a community. I have watched with great interest the development plans in terms of zoning and density. I have attended multiple meetings and forums during which the developers’ plans have been presented and critiqued.

In the spring of 2005, the Fallbrook Planning Group recommended to County Supervisor Bill Horn that the maximum dwelling units allowed on all three parcels under consideration be 1,400. The Planning Group allocated 650 units to Pardee, 100 units to Pappas and 650 to Passarelle. Supervisor Horn directed Department of Planning and Land Use staff to prepare impact reports for the 1,400 maximum units, as well as for 1,800 to 2,200 units.

Pardee has placed an item on the Fallbrook Planning Group December 19 agenda for a general plan amendment allowing construction of 1,244 units on its parcel. Current law would allow approximately 150 dwelling units on this property. The Pardee/Pankey project is in direct conflict with the Planning Group’s declared upzone density from 150 dwelling units to 650 units on these parcels. This is disappointing, to say the least. The Planning Group and Supervisor Horn have spoken on the issue of density. Pardee’s continued efforts to upzone its parcel reflects a disrespectful attitude toward the local Planning Group’s legitimate role in the planning process, as well as a disregard for the Supervisor and the scores of residents who have attended meetings and made their views known on the subject. This is not the behavior of an entity who has publicly stated they want to be a good neighbor.

It could be that Pardee believes if its representatives make enough repeated requests over a period of time, our community will either fold its hand and walk away or that we will be asleep at the switch and they will wait us out until that time. Neither can be allowed.

As a community we cannot falter on holding the line on these developments. The accumulated and devastating effects on our community of the Gregory Canyon Landfill, Rosemary Mountain quarry, the ever-increasing commuter traffic on I-15 and SR-76 and these developments loom in the near future. Act now.

Join me on December 19 at 7 p.m., Live Oak School, to support the Fallbrook Planning Group in opposition to Pardee’s request for increased density. Stay informed by visiting http://www.fallbrookfairplan.com. On the horizon we have Passarelle’s maps with 1,300 dwelling units and two million square feet of professional space, which could house a Palomar College campus. Next up is Pappas Investments with 550 dwelling units, 260,000 square feet of commercial space, a gas station and a 110-room hotel. Inaction now will come home to roost tomorrow.