Del Mar

By an unofficial tally of 866 to 553, Del Mar voters on Tuesday defeated a controversial $6.5-million community center that would have included a new city hall, town meeting space, library and underground parking garage in the middle of town.

Advocates had campaigned bitterly for the project, saying it could have been accomplished by floating a $4.5-million bond issue to be repaid over a 30-year period from the city’s general fund, without raising property taxes.

But opponents had countered by calling it unwise to enter into a 30-year mortgage in the midst of a national recession, and in a city that’s losing, not gaining, residents. They charged that, by the end of the 30-year period, costs might exceed $10 million.

Local newspapers had been filled with angry letters, while activists representing both sides passed out leaflets all over town.

Despite the furor, the ballot initiative failed to attract even half of Del Mar’s 3,000 registered voters, a spokesman for the San Diego County registrar of voters said Tuesday night. Official results are expected later this week.