Jack Feller, Deputy Mayor of Oceanside
On March 3rd, we have an opportunity to shape the future of San Diego County for the better. Right now, there are 1,985 acres of privately owned property in North San Diego County that will eventually be developed one way or the other. Under the County’s General Plan, this parcel is zoned for the development of up to two million square feet of commercial and retail space in addition to 99 estate-style homes. This is not what our County needs in the midst of our ongoing housing crisis. We can and need to do better.
Measure B gives San Diego County residents a better choice for the development of this property by approving a master-planned community with 2,135 homes, 36 acres of neighborhood parks, 19 miles of trails and 1,209 acres of dedicated open space. More than 60 percent of the homes Yes on B approves will be affordably-priced for working San Diegans and their families. Additionally, 210 of those housing units will be priced for low-income families in the area, promoting an inclusive future for our County.
Yes on B’s commitment to housing affordability is guaranteed through a covenant on the property that was verified to be consistent with California state law by the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk. Most importantly, Yes on B will prioritize more than 500 affordably-priced homes for military personnel, teachers, public safety officials, veterans and others. This is a crucial step in solving the housing crisis as many of those who serve our community and Country struggle to buy or rent a place to live within San Diego County.
Last year, the San Diego Military Advisory Council released a Military Economic Impact Study that found that the lack of regional housing supply coupled with rising housing costs is the primary constraint and risk that limits the potential of defense as a San Diego economic driver. With 7,500 new military personnel anticipated to relocate to San Diego through the end of the year, new housing supplies that support both military and civilian personnel cannot meet the rising demand.
Especially in light of our close neighbor to the north, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, we must advocate for affordable housing options for active and retired military, among other key professions. An estimated 12,000 commuters access Camp Pendleton every day, with the most popular travel pattern from more affordably-priced Riverside County communities. These tens of thousands of military personnel have to endure lengthy commutes because of the lack of affordably-priced housing near the bases.
Shouldn’t we make sure those that spend their life’s work keeping us safe are able to live in our County? Supporting Measure B is the least we can do for those who get up and fight every day ready to defend our freedom, teach our children and ensure our safety.
A countywide, bipartisan coalition agrees voting Yes on Measure B is the better choice for our County. Oceanside Mayor Peter Weiss, Oceanside Councilmember Christopher Rodriguez, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego North Economic Development Council, San Diego North Business Chamber, Casa Familiar, San Diego County Taxpayers Association, Deputy Sheriff’s Association of San Diego County and the CALFIRE Firefighters #2881, among many others, all endorse voting Yes on Measure B.
I hope you’ll join this coalition in supporting attainable housing options for working and military families by voting Yes on B on March 3rd.