Olympic Parkway may result degraded air quality in the form of carbon monoxide hot spots. Combined with the potential to eliminate the 125 toll road, additional auto trips on the adjacent freeway along with trips generated to the Otay Ranch Mall and new residential units would negatively impact the current residents of these communities from a Greenhouse Gas and Air Quality perspective.
Please consider these effects to the neighborhood and the families who reside here.
Denying the project applications is an opportunity to make new development in the City of Chula Vista more sustainable for current and future residents who choose to live here.
Thanks for your consideration.
John Alabado
Written Communication - Received 09/24/24
Item No. 6.1 - Flores
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Baldwin & Sons, LLC
Nick Lee, PE
Chief Operating Officer
2 As for the specific project, there is mention of changes to Kestrel Falls Rd, a street a few blocks from where I live and a street that many in the Windingwalk community take to make a right turn onto Eastlake Pkwy to go to work each morning. However, this intersection is poorly planned and causes unnecessary delays to the working people of Windingwalk. In the image attached below you can see there are two lanes going west on Kestrel Falls (pointing towards the Otay Ranch Town Center): one is a dedicated left turn onto Eastlake Pkwy and another is a shared straight-through and right-turn lane (onto Eastlake Pkwy).
This is a poor design because it takes just one car wanting to go straight through to the Otay Ranch Center to make all the cars behind wanting to make a right turn wait unnecessarily for a green that usually takes 5 minutes to come; this happens when the intersecting MTS Rapid 225 bus is passing through and prevents the green light to Kestrel Falls from coming on.
If the city modifies these lanes as in
the proposed image below, making the right lane a dedicated right-turn late and the left lane be the shared straight-through and left-turn lane, it would greatly affect traffic in a positive way. Both the left turn and straight-through traffic need the green line--the right turn lane does not, and cars there can carefully make a right turn without having to wait for cars in front trying to go straight.
3 One additional change that can be made to Kestrel Falls pedestrian traffic that already exists at the Birch Rd intersections to the Otay Ranch Town Center is to suppress one side of the pedestrian crossing. As a resident of Windingwalk that needs to make a left turn onto Kestrel Falls coming south on Eastlake Pkwy, it is extremely frustrating to have pedestrians use both sides of the crossing, especially when combined with the MTS Rapid 225 taking over the traffic lights and delaying traffic even more. Keeping only the south pedestrian traffic on Kestrel Falls and traffic will improve while people still have a viable crossing path to and from the Otay Ranch Center (see image below).
I hope the city listens to our concerns as we have to suffer the day to day obstacles of living in east Chula Vista, including the poorly planned traffic lights along Olympic Pkwy causing constant and unnecessary stop-and-go traffic just trying to reach the 805 freeway at any time of the day. This is only going to get 4 worse with more housing developments in the area, including the almost finished housing up the hill between Heritage Rd and Brandywine.
I would appreciate a response from the city regarding my concerns.
Oscar Romero
Our community lacks sufficient public services to support further growth. The area is underserved in terms of police stations, hospitals, and urgent care resources. Without improving these services, we cannot handle a significant increase in population. This will place a strain on emergency services, potentially leading to delays in critical care.
### 3. **Parking Shortages**
New developments consistently fail to provide adequate parking. Families today often have more than one car, yet developers are not accounting for this in their plans. The resulting parking shortages will create unnecessary tension and inconvenience for current and future residents.
### 4. **Overpopulation and Burden on Local Resources** With multiple ongoing construction projects nearby, adding more housing will lead to overpopulation and a severe burden on local resources. Our community is in dire need of more commercial spaces, public parks, and transportation infrastructure, not additional housing developments that are stretching resources thin.
### 5. **Loss of Outdoor Space for Children**
This new development will eliminate outdoor play and recreation areas for children at the mall daycare center. Our community’s children need spaces to play and grow, and we must protect these areas from overdevelopment.
### 6. **Insufficient Freeway Infrastructure**
The current freeway infrastructure cannot support the anticipated increase in traffic. As a daily user of these roads, I’ve observed traffic worsening, particularly during peak hours.
The 54 freeway is increasingly congested, and access to the 125 toll road is not a viable option for many. The nearest alternative, the 805 freeway, is already difficult to reach due to heavy traffic on local streets. Without significant upgrades to our freeway system, traffic congestion will continue to spiral out of control.
### 7. **Strain on Community Resources**
Developers continue to build without addressing the high demand for already impacted resources like public services and transportation. Our community is reaching a breaking point. Without thoughtful planning and remediation, new developments will only create more problems for current and future residents.
### 8. **Prioritizing Profits Over People**
These developments seem to prioritize the interests of profit-driven developers rather than the well-being of our community. I urge you to oppose this proposal and advocate for more thoughtful, community-focused development.
---
**What We Need Instead:**
- Investment in **public parks** and green spaces for families and children. - Improvements in **public transportation** to ease the burden on our roadways. - More **commercial spaces** to enhance local businesses and create jobs. - Thoughtful development that takes into account the existing needs of the community.
---
Please stand with the community and oppose this proposal. Let's focus on building a sustainable, livable environment for all of us—one that prioritizes people over profits.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Ewest
Sent from my iPhone
Sincerely,
Chalee Pongkan
Cesar Giacumbo
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Melissa Nieves-Rainey
Planning Commission
NO to more apartments at Otay Ranch
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 8:49:33 AM
I You don't often get email from I eaco why this is important Written Communication -Received 09/25/24
Item No. 6.1 - Nieves-Rainey
\VAR�ING - This email originated from outside the City of Chula Vista. Do not click any links and do not open attachments unless you can confinn the sender.
PLEASE REPORT SUSPICIOUS EMAILS BY USING THE PHISH ALERT REPORT BUTTON or to [email protected]
I have lived here for 8 years and during this time, the increased building in the Otay Ranch and Millenia area, while beneficial to a ce1iain point, has reached the end of their benefits.
We do not have a need for more housing, we have a need for AMENITIES and infrastructure to suppo1i housing. We do not have enough schools, groce1y options, or police to support the increased number ofresidents. We do not even have a large libraiy in Eastlake! :( It's tiuly despicable.
Another concern is Eastlake' s notorious reputation of poor ti·affic conh'ol and accidents/incidents. Fmiher contesting our sti·eets puts our residents at more risk.
As it is we have less than 15 pati·ol cars for all of Chula Vista.
We need to prioritize meeting the safety and logistical needs of our residents FIRST AND FOREMOST.
Melissa Nieves-Rainey, M.S.
Meeting Type Meeting Date Agenda Item Name Position
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06)
YIMBY Democrats
of San Diego
County
On behalf of the YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County, please accept our comments in support of Rezoning the Northwestern Quadrant of the Otay Ranch Town Center Shopping Mall From Commercial to Mixed-Use Residential.
The YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County are dedicated to growing sustainable housing opportunities in the communities where we live. In addition to developing more affordable and market-rate housing to increase the supply of housing, we believe in prioritizing infill development near transit and employment centers with the goal of increasing our housing supply, leveraging our urban environments, protecting our natural resources and advancing economic inclusion and opportunity for all. We have also committed ourselves to reversing the historic patterns of segregation that still affect our city. This rezone will allow more much needed housing to be built, furthering increasing the region's housing supply. Support
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Zoltan Csontos
As a home owner at the neighbouring Suwerte apartments, I oppose the intent to rezone the existing soccer academy to build 840 residential units. One of the reasons behind my opposing position is that the identified primary access to the 2 existing apartment complexes (Allay & Suwerte, Enclave) via Town Center Drive is already massively congested every day, especially during mornings and is definitely not ready for thousands of additional cars. There is also a hotel under construction which will already increase the existing traffic. The second reason is that we have already thousands of new apartments around the Town Center community which are half empty. The community needs playgrounds, green areas and places for sporting opportunities for our children. The existing soccer academy is a great addition to our neighborhood. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Daniel Lopez I'm a resident that lives near the project area and I strongly oppose this proposal. Over the past couple of years, there has been a high amount of new developments in the area that have increased traffic, pollution, noise, and crime among many other inconveniences in the area. Traffic is already a nightmare; we don't have enough public transportation, grocery stores, gas stations, or public schools. Developers keep building housing developments without remediating high demand for already impacted resources in our community. Please oppose this proposal from greedy characters that value profit over people. Please save our communities and invest in public spaces instead. We need parks and public transportation, not more unplanned developments. Thank you! Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Laura Humphreys
We are in need of more housing solutions to deal with the lack of available housing options in our community. This development will provide much needed housing and make good use of available space. - Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Kayla Hollopeter I strongly oppose this proposition as unplanned projects like this don't take into account parking, traffic, and the welfare of current residents. Crime has drastically increased with the new constructions and transit systems. The construction on the roads has already been a major annoyance and strain on traffic. Please reconsider and care for our current residents. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Jennifer Mahoney Otay Ranch cannot sustain properly without infrastructure. We have 4 gas stations, 3 grocery stores, 2 public high schools that are already over populated and no dedicated middle school to Otay Ranch. Adding more units is going to congest the area even more. Additionally, those soccer fields provide a pathway for enrichment for youth, the daycare center is a necessity for families with young children. Furthermore, with town center drive being identified as the access point, how can safety be guaranteed in the event of an emergency? Ex. The mall recently had an open shooter. If its congested, how can people safely egress while also accommodating first responders? Rather than build those units, why not put those funds towards a community center designed with community enrichment in mind? CV Leaders, you have a duty to your constituents and it will be irresponsible to add those additional units. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Daniel Guerrero I strongly oppose the development of more residential buildings in this area, especially considering the significant impact it will have on our community. Increasing traffic on Town Center Drive, which is already a bottleneck with only one lane in each direction, is not sustainable. Were already dealing with heavy congestion due to the new hotel and the recently approved apartments. Adding another 840 units will only make the situation worse, leading to longer commutes, potential safety hazards, and a decrease in overall quality of life for those of us who live here.
Moreover, taking away spaces like the soccer field and daycare playground will negatively impact the families and children who rely on these amenities. These are vital areas for recreation and community engagement, and their removal would significantly diminish the livability of our neighborhood.
We need to prioritize the needs of the existing community rather than continuing to overdevelop the area. More houses and apartments arent the solution; protecting our shared spaces and preventing further traffic congestion should be the focus. Lets preserve what makes this neighborhood livable and not let it become overrun by unnecessary development.
Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Danielle ward
While I am aware of the need for more housing overall, there needs to be proper planning in order to make the additional apartment complex viable for the area. The Town Center Road was built with the mall and only the mall in mind. It is not set up to accommodate the additional traffic an 850 apartment complex would bring. There is already huge congestion on both sides of the mall. Plus, for the new families who have/are moving into the surrounding new condos/apts as well as the larger homeowning community, the mall space is vital for community building and offers an opportunity for using the space for overall recreation and community building instead. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Jeritt Tucker I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposed development of 840 residential units at Otay Ranch Mall.
While I understand the need for growth, this development, as planned, could severely impact our community in terms of traffic congestion and infrastructure strain.
Town Center Drive is already a heavily trafficked area, and using it as the primary access point for this new development could exacerbate congestion. The fact that it's essentially a single-lane road both ways makes it even more unsuitable for the expected increase in vehicles. This will undoubtedly lead to longer commute times and heightened safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists, and families in the area.
Furthermore, the removal of the existing soccer field and playground would take away important recreational spaces that contribute to the well-being of our families and children. In a rapidly growing community like ours, it's crucial that we prioritize green spaces and ensure that new developments don't come at the expense of current residents quality of life.
I urge the board to reconsider the impact this development would have on traffic, community resources, and the overall livability of the area. Instead of moving forward without adjustments, perhaps alternative solutionssuch as better traffic planning or preserving more of the existing recreational spacecould be considered.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS leonardo gomez there is too many residential areas, traffic has become impossible in this part of town!! we do not need more residential areas, much less ones taking over a VERY popular area that is the soccer fields at the mall. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Ivanna Martinez The last thing we need in this community is more residential areas! There is enough traffic as is, I cant imagine what it would be like with more homes. This not only means more traffic, but less opportunity for jobs for those that already live here, schools even more packed than they already are, the list goes on. Instead, we need more gathering spaces, recreational areas, commercial use, anything except more houses! This is an opportunity to make otay ranch mall bigger than what it already is!!! Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Brianna Arroyo We do not need more apartments. Build another middle & high school. Otay ranch town center is one of the only places that East Chula Vista has to go and socialize. adding apartments will ruin that. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Emmanuel Becerra I strongly oppose the proposed development at Otay Ranch Mall. The conversion of valuable community spaces, such as the soccer field and daycare playground, to high-density residential units will have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area. This will significantly worsen traffic congestion, particularly with Town Center Drive serving as the main access point, which is entirely inadequate for such a large influx of residents. The infrastructure cannot support this scale of development, especially considering the ongoing construction of additional residential and hotel units nearby. This proposal is reckless and will negatively affect the quality of life for current residents. I urge the board to reject this plan. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Karl Ong In my opinion, replacing the soccer field with a residential building is a grave mistake. Not only it will increase traffic but also robs the youth of playing sports that enhances their quality of life. Were also losing a good view in the morning. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Jillian Hines
Please stop building in Otay Lake area!!! So many people and issues with traffic, accidents because of the over population, and the over populated schools and all the issues that come with that. Eastlake its becoming a dumpster fire with swishing in more apartments and hotels. Enough is enough. Please stop with the money grabs and ruining the quality of life of those that have lived here for years. Think about the future and the water issues we already have and the lack of grocery stores were need for your planned Expansion. Eastlake has become Lego land of homes and cheaply built apartments. Or kids will suffer with overcrowding in schools and end up with issues from lack of staffing and services.
And who wants to drive 15 min in 2 mines with all the traffic. We need more grocery stores or a Costco on that side of town with all the construction already in progress. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Eva Gammon Please reconsider this . We do not need more apartments and taking away the soccer field is a disgrace. You are destroying Eastlake and every thing we love about it little by little . We and a lot of people I know are actually considering moving out . Shame on you Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Alexis Hodnett Please do not build anymore apartments in the area. Crime has been on a rise and traffic is already bad as it is. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Sabrina Cortell
As a resident who lives in this area, I oppose the building of additional residential/apartment/townhome complexes without addressing the traffic, parking, lack of middle schools and increased crime in our community. We have lived in this community for over 25 years and are very concerned with the out of control growth and lack of planning taking place. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Christina Pajimola I live within walking distance of this space, and having seen the impact of all the new housing WITHOUT appropriate infrastructure being available, I highly oppose the addition of new housing. Especially in this manner (removing actively utilized outdoor space), to add thousands of more people to the area, further overcrowding of our schools, putting more pressure on law enforcement and other social services.
A new middle school should be more of a priority so parents dont feel a need to utilize private middle schools in- between public elementary and high schools. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Celina Davis Adding More apartment structures in the Otay area is going to create more traffic, crime, and congestion. The area is already increasing in crime and accidents are occurring almost daily. Schools or more shopping stores are needed rather than adding apartments. Parking is extremely limited as it is. It makes absolutely no sense to continue adding apartments. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mariana The increase in these residential apartment buildings not only has impacted traffic, but it has severely impacted existing residents who have been living here for 30 years. Crime, including shootings, stabbings, and burglaries, has significantly risen since those new apartment residential buildings throughout Otay and Eastlake have opened. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS ilse
Building more apartments and housing not only causes more traffic and congestion but it also raises the crime that is already so high in this area. 2 years ago before any of the apartments were built in the otay ranch area and millennia there was no crime, now it has skyrocketed! Bringing more apartments here will double the crime rate. Do not build! Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Alayna Maldonado Since moving to Eastlake 7 years ago, Ive seen the traffic and overcrowding effects of too many housing developments in the Otay Ranch mall area. Additional housing in the area will bring unnecessary traffic and noise followed by additional safety concerns. This was meant to be a suburban area. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Blanca cancino I have been in this community for 49 years , I seen the growth of East Chula Vista . Recently the over construction of apartments and hotels is making impossible for regular traffic, In addition , in the pay months so many accidents and also crime , I dont feel the subirás of chula vista are safe anymore . So many people , overcrowded schools to the point I dont trust the education method , I had to put my son in private school. It is not fair we paid high taxes , and too little schools to send our kids with moderate size classrooms . We dont need more housing and specially section 8 . Thanks in advance to hear me. Blanca Cancino Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Griselda Bautista I oppose to this, traffic already is very bad. Ive lived in this area the past 24 years and now it takes almost triple the time to drive to a store. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Monica Espindola With the many new housing developments in the area, I don't understand why this one is needed. This seems like unsustainable over development. Let's work on improving and sustaining what we currently have. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Melanie Phillips I have lived here for 15 years and have seen many changes. A lot of the changes have not been good. We are way over crowded. Our streets are too narrow, not big enough to handle the people we have now. Not too mention all the red light runners there are in this community. It is scary driving knowing that there is a high chance someone will run the red light.
Schools are impacted. The school district couldn't even keep up with the development of our neighborhoods 15 years ago.
People in general have become more impatient, greedy and selfish. Adding more housing will not remedy any of these issues. It will just be adding to the chaos we have made already. We need to work on becoming more of a community that helps eachother rather then letting greedy developers take over. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Jennifer STOP RUINING OUR COMMUNITY!!! Youre going to steal a soccer field, a playground, and a daycare from children & parents, to make room for more apartments?!?! It makes absolutely zero sense to put affordable housing next to an expensive shopping mall, but common sense me doesnt run very strong these days! AGAIN, STOP RUINING OUR COMMUNITY!!!!!! Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Dina Abu-Qaoud I oppose building more apartments in the Otay ranch center mall. The area is already congested with several apartments and those still being built. The Otay ranch mall area should still be a community area and support our youth with the soccer field and daycare playground. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Ginny Caballero The main reason to not approve this is for our schools. It's ridiculous that all of the students at Eastlake can't even fit into the gym there. They can't all participate in school functions because there's no room! Also traffic is getting worse and with adding more places to live means more people on the roads. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Jennifer We dont need more housing, we need more infrastructure to support our community. Stop building without plans to navigate the congestion Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Jayne M
Rezoning Otay Ranch Center goes against the reason I moved here and invested in this community. I wanted to shop with my family within the community. The mall was a safe, uncrowded place to share with the entire community. I took my children to library toddler events, watched them on the splash pad, watch soccer matches, and go into stores without worry. Instead of money going into new housing investments, investment should focus on making the mall successful and safe.
The proposal to remove commercial areas in favor of mixed use takes the appeal of the mall non-existent. The mall is becoming more of a perk of the renters who will live there, instead of the whole community as a whole. It is becoming worrisome to take my family there as it is and will only get worse if this gets approved. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Michelle Traffic is already impacted by new development in the area. These units are not affordable. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Kimberly P.
1. Keep the soccer field in tact. SO many of our children and adults in the community use it for recreational exercise and fun.
2. We dont have the infrastructure to keep up with all of this multi-family building. Police stations, schools, roads, etc. are desperately needed in our area before anything else should be built.
3. Speaking of whichwhat ARE your plans for more infrastructure? Please advise.
Thank you.
Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS sophia
this is absolutely ridiculous. this neighborhood has been and was supposed to be a small and safe community but with the development of these new buildings and apartments it is becoming one of the most unsafe communities. ever since the new apartments in otay ranch were built, there are endless amounts of complaints on the neighbors app, shootings, theft, etc. it is very disappointing that hundreds of residents including myself pay high rent for a place that is just going downhill. besides the crime rates increasing, traffic is already unbearable as is. in case of an emergency people are going to be stuck in traffic in the one lane roads trying to get out. i strongly disagree with the idea of expanding this neighborhood it is absolutely insane. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Janette Marquez
As a resident of the neighboring Suwerte Apartments, I strongly oppose the proposed building of 840 residential units.
While I recognize the importance of addressing housing needs, this development presents significant challenges that have not been adequately addressed. The infrastructure around Town Center Drive is already overwhelmed, with daily congestion that will only worsen with the influx of additional traffic. This unchecked growth threatens not only traffic flow but the overall quality of life for current residents.
Moreover, the decision to eliminate a vital green space contradicts Chula Vistas commitment to sustainability. The soccer academy and surrounding open areas serve as crucial spaces for recreation, community-building, and promoting public health. Removing these spaces in favor of more high-density housing overlooks the broader environmental impact and neglects the needs of current residents. Studies show that access to green spaces contributes to both physical and mental well-being, which is why preserving these spaces is in the best interest of the community.
Instead of rushing into further development, we should be focusing on maximizing the value of the existing infrastructure and ensuring that growth is both sustainable and thoughtful.
Thoughtful development can address housing needs without compromising the communitys quality of life or sacrificing critical green spaces. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Janette Marquez
As a resident of the neighboring Suwerte Apartments, I strongly oppose the proposed building of 840 residential units.
While I recognize the importance of addressing housing needs, this development presents significant challenges that have not been adequately addressed. The infrastructure around Town Center Drive is already overwhelmed, with daily congestion that will only worsen with the influx of additional traffic. This unchecked growth threatens not only traffic flow but the overall quality of life for current residents.
Moreover, the decision to eliminate a vital green space contradicts Chula Vistas commitment to sustainability. The soccer academy and surrounding open areas serve as crucial spaces for recreation, community-building, and promoting public health. Removing these spaces in favor of more high-density housing overlooks the broader environmental impact and neglects the needs of current residents. Studies show that access to green spaces contributes to both physical and mental well-being, which is why preserving these spaces is in the best interest of the community.
Instead of rushing into further development, we should be focusing on maximizing the value of the existing infrastructure and ensuring that growth is both sustainable and thoughtful.
Thoughtful development can address housing needs without compromising the communitys quality of life or sacrificing critical green spaces. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael P We have enough apartments in our area. We have no middle schools and our elementary schools are being over crowded. We need a better infrastructure before we start adding more housing everywhere. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Aldara
We have too much housing in the area which has caused increased traffic, overcrowded schools, and not enough law enforcement in the area. I think we should focus on schools first before trying to build more apartments. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Beth Lagdamen Oppose! There is already over crowding. We bought a home 19 years ago and have seen how badly the neighborhood has degraded! Increased crime, lack of police presence, accidents everyday. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Heather Jones No more housing squeezed into an area that is already difficult to get in and out of. Removing the playground and soccer area takes away opportunities for our youth to spend time outdoors. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Maria
Where is the infrastructure for this? That area is already overcrowded. God forbid The area needed to be evacuated quickly Good luck with that one-way road out. Infrastructure needs to keep up with population growth. Schools, Police Stations. Etc. Also, lets think of the kids and all residents for that matter. Otay Ranch has already converted many of originally proposed single-family homes to apartments and condominiums, which do not provide outdoor space or backyards. Eliminating this space for the community to have is ridiculous. Where is Chula Vistas Commitment to parks, and sustainability? Anyone approving this is simply doing it for financial reasons. Space alone is not a reason to build apartments. There needs to be a lot more consideration, put into our community and our elected leaders have not been doing that. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Bridie Burgon
As an Eastlake resident I strongly
oppose changing parts of the usage of Otay Ranch to residential.
The soccer fields are used everyday for youth through adult leagues. The new housing that have been built in the past 10 years have so little yard space that keeping this soccer field for residents is needed.
Adding an additional 800 housing units in an already compacted space will create traffic backlogs, parking nightmares, and impacts to the currently overcrowded high school and middle school.
Please reconsider this development project. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Kari Gorski As a local resident of Otay Ranch, our resources are already stretched thin both in regards to emergency services and utility services. Increased multi unit housing will only stretch those resources further as well as increase traffic concerns and crime rates within the area as our police services are not equiped to deal with the exponential growth in the area. Our public school system is already at capacity and crime rates in the area (including specifically the Otay Ranch Town Center Mall) have rapidly increased as the apartments nearby have become occupied. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Lyn
No more apartments please! We have more than enough. Instead concentrate on building more stores, restaurants, parks, community centers, and schools. Were in great need of another middle school! Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Eileen M.
I strongly oppose! This area is already extremely crowded and traffic is bad. Parking is horrible. Our schools are so overcrowded. STOP ALREADY!! Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Zabrina Fong We do not need anymore apartments in our area. We need more police and more schools for the population we already have. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Peggy Ratner Strongly oppose. Lack of Middle Schools and High Schools to support such a dramatic population increase along with all the other comments already mentioned need to be taken into account to stop this project - Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Celeste No more new development please!!! Crime is up enough! We pay too much to have our area ruined by ugly buildings, traffic, and crime. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) dennise gonzalez
Dear Board Members and Council Chambers for Chula Vista,
We as a community would like to voice our concern and complaint towards the proposed expansion of housing in our community, Chula Vista/Otay Ranch/Otay Ranch Town Center/Eastlake. This plan threatens the positive character and well-being of our neighborhood, and WE strongly oppose it.
The impact of recent increased housing density has strained and will continue to strain our resources, roads, integrity, and diminish the quality of life for us, the existing and established residents.
We as a community do NOT seek any further infrastructure.This is not what we desire as a community. We want to preserve the character of our community even if that means forgoing the construction of more houses, schools, and stores.
These future expansion projects do not reflect a vision for the benefit of future generations. It completely ignores the concerns and desires of our community. By prioritizing infrastructural developments over our values, we risk losing the beauty and the elements we fell in love with this community when we first established here.
Every decision you make affects the lives of those who have invested their hard earned time and money into this community.
Our focus and yours as council members should be on enhancing our current environment and community, not compromising it with unwanted expansion/development.
I urge you to listen to our concerns and reconsider this expansion. Our community deserves better. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00
Rezoning the
Northwestern Quadrant of
the Otay Ranch Town
Center Shopping Mall
From Commercial to
Mixed-Use Residential.
Located at 2015 Birch
Road (APNs 643-061-01, -
02, -04, -05, and -06) Mark Ewest
I am writing to oppose the proposed residential project at Otay Ranch Mall. This development poses significant risk to my family, immediate community, and to the larger Otay Ranch community. Direct Impact on My Family: My windows face the proposed site, the construction phase will directly disrupt my familys daily life. The noise, dust, and increased traffic will create an uncomfortable living environment, especially if we decide to have children in the immediate future. Traffic Concerns: The proposal anticipates adding at least 840 vehicles, which will severely strain our primary access point, Town Center Drive. This road is essentially one lane in both directions, except at traffic lights. The increased congestion will pose safety hazards and make it difficult for residents to navigate the area as well as for the public school bus drop off point being on that street. Loss of Recreational Space: The project plans to remove a soccer field and the playground. These spaces are vital for our children. Impact on Public Safety: The construction and the added residential units will further congest an already busy Toll Road during peak hours. This not only affects daily commuters but also hampers emergency response times, creating a significant risk for residents. Call for Reevaluation: I urge the board to reconsider this proposal. Development should prioritize public and recreational spaces that enhance community well-being rather than simply increasing residential capacity. Oppose Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Claudia A Please dont approve more housing in the area of Otay Ranch Mall. Put our tax money and plan better our city.
Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Bill S
I greatly oppose the building of additional apartments in this location.
The road infrastructure in that area is not able to support more people.
This would be an absolute nightmare for our community, and would add additional traffic, and accompanying risk factors for motorists and residents. Oppose
Planning
Commission -
Regular Meeting 9/25/2024 18:00 PUBLIC COMMENTS Rita Paladino We dont need more apartments in Otay Ranch Mall!! totally against it. Please reconsider. As it is traffic is a nightmare. Oppose