Liberty Quarry Committee formed

On October 15, the Fallbrook Community Planning Group (FCPG) unanimously voted in favor of forming the new Liberty Quarry Committee.

Jim Oenning has been appointed chairperson of the committee, with fellow members Ike Perez, John Crouch and Tom Harrington. David Allen was chosen as the non-elected FCPG member.

Jim Russell explained that the reason this committee was created is to analyze reports generated from the Granite Construction Company, the owners and operators of the proposed Liberty Quarry.

This committee is dedicated to protecting Fallbrook residents by pinpointing any negative effects of the quarry. If any are discovered, recommendations may be made to the San Diego County Department of Planning and Land Use.

On September 19, Russell made a trip down to the San Diego Board of Supervisors and spoke during the open forum session. The Board of Supervisors agreed that the FCPG could create a Liberty Quarry Committee and concurred that the Department of Planning and Land Use would accommodate the FCPG.

“What the quarry owners are doing now are preparing technical reports which will become the basis for the Environmental Impact Report [EIR],” explained Russell. “It is my intention that this committee is going to burn the midnight oil and be as knowledgeable about that quarry as Gary Johnson [Development Manager at Granite Construction].”

When the EIR hits the streets, Russell claims the Liberty Quarry Committee will analyze its content and highlight any concerns which need addressing.

Meanwhile, Oenning said this new committee has initially been split into two research/work areas. The first is in relation to the crystalline silica emissions, as well as other air emissions from the quarry site.

“The other group is investigating water, water usage and all the things associated with that,” explained Oenning.

Gary Johnson of Granite Construction spoke during the community input session and relayed that more technical reports were underway. They include an analysis of a site lighting plan, final draft for an air quality impact analysis, geological report and hydrogeological report.

“Again, we welcome the opportunity to meet with your subcommittee,” added Johnson.

The FCPG also voted unanimously to the five-year park project priority list requested by the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation. The expenditures for these projects come from the Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PLDO) funds. The following action items are:

• Clemmens Lane Park development

• Fallbrook Community Center improvements

• Land acquisition for future parks

• Don Dussault Park fencing

• Rainbow Park security and gates

• Sports park improvements

• Live Oak Park improvements

The list of these priority projects was approved by the County Service Area No. 81 Advisory Board (CSA) in September.

Additionally, FCPG member Carolyn Major moved forward with another motion to add to this list: “a vacant property at the corner of Knot Wood and Linda Vista Road for picnic use and staging.”

Current designs and future construction projects are in progress for Clemmens Lane Park and the Fallbrook Community Center. The designs for Clemmens Lane Park will be presented to the CSA in November and December and construction is slated for the early months of 2008. Current PLDO funding remains at $45,000.

The first phase for the Fallbrook Community Center remodel started in August and will be completed in mid-November. The current funding for this project stands at $270,435. The PLDO is providing $100,000, while the Community Development Block Grant is offering $170,435.

Though unanimous votes were maintained, FCPG member Mary Jane Pfiel was unhappy that the five-year projection list did not include a proposal for a community park site she had requested last year. This site is located on the south side of Fallbrook Street and is privately owned. Whether or not the owner of this property would want to sell remains unknown.

“We have been talking about this for a long time and I think that people are entitled to some consideration for a centrally located park,” said Pfiel.

Fellow member Tom Harrington made the suggestion of earmarking this particular site for land acquisition for future parks. The members agreed with his proposal.

“Unless we start stockpiling some money and at least make an effort [to purchase land for a community park], then I am ashamed of us,” said Pfiel.