Dec. 2 Vote Set on Proposed Resort for Rancho Santa Fe

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday rejected a request from a developer for a three-month delay in the board’s vote on a proposed resort for Rancho Santa Fe. The request for a delay was criticized by area homeowners, who say they are having trouble selling their homes because of the plans for a resort.

Daniel Bunn, who wants to build an 82-unit resort on 16.5-acres, asked the supervisors to delay the decision, originally to be made Wednesday, until early January so that he could assemble environmental consultants to testify on his behalf.

But Rancho Santa Fe Planning Director Gail MacLeod asked that a decision be made as quickly as possible. Bunn is appealing the Planning Commission’s unanimous rejection.

“This has been going on for a year and a half, and it’s been very disruptive,” MacLeod told the supervisors. “We have people who have their homes in escrow to sell their homes, and nobody wants to buy their homes if they are going to be located next to this project.”

Compromise Reached

North County Supervisor John MacDonald, who said that he has been told that up to four sales are contingent on the project being rejected, suggested consideration of the issue in early November.

At the urging of Supervisor Susan Golding, the supervisors compromised and set a public hearing and vote for Dec. 2, despite continuing protests from Bunn.

“I sympathize with your problem, Mr. Bunn, but I do believe there is an obligation that is essential,” MacDonald said. “If the project is a meaningful project to you, you can assemble your staff and make a presentation that is adequate.”

The resort, complete with a restaurant, health spa, meeting rooms, swimming pools and tennis courts, is planned for the corner of El Montivideo and Paseo Delicias, just east of the heart of Rancho Santa Fe.

The acreage is among two-dozen “islands” within the community not controlled y the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant, a restrictive property owners’ agreement. The proposal is opposed by the Rancho Santa Fe Assn.