Election Looms for Agua Hedionda Project

CARLSBAD, CA—Voters are preparing for a special election on Feb. 23 to determine the fate of the controversial mixed-use Agua Hedionda 85/15 Specific Plan project spearheaded by developer Caruso Affiliated. As GlobeSt.com reported in August, the plan received unanimous approval by the Carlsbad City Council after six hours of presentations, public comment and deliberation. However, considerable opposition to the plan by some local groups overturned the approval by referendum and has spurred the special election, which could help make or break the project. While GlobeSt.com to date has been unable to get comments directly from Caruso on the project, we spoke exclusively with Lee & Associates broker Blair Havens, an expert on development in the Carlsbad market, on the subject.

GlobeSt.com: What can you tell us about Measure A and the Agua Hedionda 85/15 project?

Havens: The proposed 85/15 Agua Hedionda South Shore Specific Plan, otherwise known as Measure A, is another landmark project on the minds of Carlsbad residents. The project proposes to use 27 acres for commercial space while preserving 127 acres for open space and recreational use where the strawberry fields are now along Cannon Rd. and Interstate-5. Caruso Affiliated, a major developer out of Los Angeles, whose portfolio includes similar high-end entertainment centers including the Grove in Los Angeles, has outlined a plan which includes an open-air mall build out, improving and maintaining the open space for public use and self-funding the traffic improvements. The project will be at no out-of-pocket cost to Carlsbad residents. In addition, the city of Carlsbad stands to gain $11.3 million in city fees and $2.6 million in net revenue annually to the city fund. The project was originally approved by the city council previously this year, then overturned by a referendum by Carlsbad residents. The referendum was passed and forced the council decision to be overturned. Now, the Carlsbad residents will vote to decide the future of the project in a special election on Feb. 23.

GlobeSt.com: Why is there so much opposition to the project?

Havens: The project is highly controversial among Carlsbad residents. Many feel it threatens the small-town identity and charm of Carlsbad. Other concerns are the increased traffic along Interstate-5 freeway and Cannon Rd. Additional potential issues are the preservation of the lagoon and the natural habitat and open space of surrounding area. Both organizations have put out high-powered marketing campaigns in support of their positions. It is important to note that even if the vote passes in favor of the project, it will still need to go before the Coastal Commission for final approval. The Caruso group currently has the 208-acre parcel under contract with San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), which owns the property. It is also said that Caruso has spent more than $5 million in due diligence and marketing in preparation for the project.

GlobeSt.com: What else should residents know about the election?

Havens: The stakes will be high come Feb 23 as the residents of Carlsbad will decide the fate. For more information on the project visit voteyesonCarlsbadmeasureA.com, and visit www.citizensfornorthcounty.org for the opposing view of the project. Residents should make sure to cast their vote on Feb 23.