LDS church project approved by FCPG

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints packed the Live Oak School auditorium on May 21 to hear the Fallbrook Community Planning Group’s (FCPG) decision on the new facility they wish to build. Voices of excitement were heard when the committee voted 10-1 in favor of the church to construct their project near Via Monserate and Highway 76. Planning Group member Jim Oenning was the single vote of opposition on the application.

Though church members were elated with the news, some homeowners expressed disappointment at the outcome. Nearby residents of the project said they were opposed to this development for a variety of reasons. The main arguments mentioned were the size of the structure (16,800 square feet), parking issues, the removal of a sidewalk and concerns regarding increased traffic onto an already problematic Highway 76.

“This project does not fit on the lot,” said Stanley C. Plog, resident and member of the Fallbrook Watch. During public testimony, Plog went on to say, “The LDS building is nearly 70-percent larger than the new Walgreen’s drugstore that will replace the Americo Gas Station in Fallbrook. I don’t think anyone here would allow a Walgreen’s or other commercial building on that site.”

Jim Russell reminded the audience that the property already possessed major use permit status.

“This property has always been zoned to allow a church on it,” Russell said. Russell explained that the slating of this particular project was accompanied by certain “conditions” which would lessen the impact on the surrounding community.

Also on the agenda was an item to either allow or disallow alcohol sales at the existing Shell Gas Station and mini-mart located at the corner of Main and Ammunition. The applicant was not present. Russell said four ABC licenses were allowed in this particular census tract and currently seven licenses have been approved, with one additional ABC license application pending.

Harry Christiansen voiced a more detailed explanation of ABC licensing protocol, and provided maps to the committee members outlining the businesses already selling alcohol in these census tracts.

Public testimony regarding this ABC license item was spearheaded by Pat Braendel, who said there were already “too many” liquor stores in Fallbrook.

“We, people of Fallbrook, are fed up,” said Braendel. Following public comment, the committee voted 11-0 against the application.

Earlier in the evening, Steve Ron from the Department of Public Works presented four alternative designs regarding the East Fallbrook Street Extension from Stage Coach Lane to Reche Road.

Though his presentation was intended to garner comments and guidance for this potential project, he received an unenthusiastic response from the crowd. Ron explained that the reason for the extension was to assist with traffic flow in the Stage Coach Lane and Reche Road area.

“It is below the acceptable level of service,” Ron said. “In utilizing an A-F grading system, this particular area remains at a D level. The traffic engineering department recommended the East Fallbrook Street extension take place in order to solve the high levels of traffic congestion at Stage Coach Lane and Reche Road.”

“It [street extension] has also been in the circulation element, which has been part of the Fallbrook Community General Plan for the last 20 years,” said Ron. The designs ranged in cost between $1.5 and $1.6 million and the analysis was based on topics, such as, right of way, biological review and houses impacted by the new construction.

“The project is currently not budgeted,” Ron said. “This means we will have to identify funds.”

In design number one, two homes would be impacted by the street extension. Ron illustrated in a case like this, the county would acquire the home, relocate the residence, make an appraisal, and then offer a settlement to the homeowner.

“Our preference is to not move anybody,” he said. “In the past, we have remodeled homes, moved homes and have done everything we can to keep people on the parcel in which they are living on.”

Russell expressed a genuine concern for the residents and houses that would feel the impact of this street extension project.

“My point of view is if you can avoid people’s houses I think that would be a nice thing to do,” said Russell. His comment gathered a soft wave of applause. He continued, “It is not nice to tell someone you have to tear their house down and throw them out. I don’t mind cutting down a couple of trees if that would solve the problem of keeping those houses there.”

Planning Group member Eileen Delaney was in full agreement with Russell and said, “I am more concerned about the people.”

Ron informed the committee that he looked forward to future discussion regarding the project in the months ahead.