Genstar Land Vote

I have received my voter information packet and find there is no formal opposition to Proposition D, the proposed land swap that will allow Genstar Southwest Development to build an industrial park near the junction of Interstates 5 and 805. I would like to lodge informal opposition to the proposition.

Genstar and other concerned parties have stated that the 166-acre parcel is “surrounded” by industrially developed land. While it is true that Sorrento Valley, Mira Mesa and North City West are creeping ever closer to this land, it is not ideally suited for additional development.

Two main reasons exist:

- As anyone who lives in North County knows, the interchange of Interstates 5 and 805 is a traffic-snarled mess at rush hour. Conditions are sure to get worse. Yet Genstar proposes to put 166 acres of businesses right at that spot. If you think the freeway junction is bad now, just wait.

- In addition to bordering on industrial and residential behemoths, the parcel is just across the freeway from Los Penasquitos Lagoon. Everyone, including our good friend Councilman Bill Cleator, hailed the recent purchase (and therefore development-free future) of the lagoon as the “Gateway to San Diego,” as I recall. Yet Genstar proposes to develop the only remaining open space on the other side of the lagoon. Some Gateway--it will be more like half a Gateway. Not to mention the additional siltation to the lagoon and harm to its resident creatures.

What I see happening is just another example of the stranglehold in which developers hold the city. Years ago, Genstar gave the 166-acre coastal parcel to the city. Now, to circumvent ex post facto the mandates of Proposition A, Genstar asks the city to give them back the land. Yes, I believe the rural 291 acres Genstar wants to now use as a bargaining chip are valuable acres as well. But how long will it be before Genstar wants to swap 500 acres near the desert for the 291 it now wants to give the city? I say make Genstar and the rest of their cohorts live by the true spirit of Proposition A. Let Genstar deal with the city honestly and with an eye to environmental sensitivity with their 291 acres.

LISA BUTLER

Del Mar