October 19, 2005
Bill Horn
Supervisor, Fifth District
1600 Pacific Highway Room 335
San Diego, Ca 92101
Dear Mr. Horn,
The Lake San Marcos Community Association consists of residents of Lake San Marcos who have joined our organization and elected a Board of Directors. There are currently more than 1300 members from all of the HOA’s within Lake San Marcos. We do not represent any HOA but rather the common interests of all of Lake San Marcos residents.
As we have written before, we have held discussions with D R Horton regarding the condominium project they propose to build at the entrance to Lake San Marcos. In April, their representative gave a presentation at our Board Meeting, again in June, and most recently in September. At all of these meetings with them, we have expressed our concerns with the project as planned and have asked them to make a few changes to better fit into the character of our 40 year old planned community. Many people have purchased in LSM over the years because of some of the unique qualities that exist here. The project that D R Horton plans does not conform to the character nor does it add to the qualities of the community.
True, they own the land and have a right to develop it in a profitable manner and the LSMCA has expressed that to them, but at the same time they have a responsibility to build something that is in character and fits into the community. They should not be able to build something, sell it, and then leave the community to solve the problems it causes.
I’ve included a copy of their latest site plan. They have made a couple of minor changes by adding 3 additional parking spaces, however they have not made nor do they intend to make any of the changes we have asked of them. There are two very important changes that we are adamant about. There are others that we would wish for but have only put forth the 2 greatest concerns. As you can see, the design of the site as planned calls for 3 entrance and exits, none of which line up with existing median opening. Since this is the major entrance into Lake San Marcos and is heavily used at certain hours, this design could create a real traffic danger. We have asked D R Horton to re-design the project to have one exit that lines up with the existing median and possibly one other entrance only to improve the flow as well as minimizing the safety issues. As you know, many of our residents and drivers are over 55 years of age with the median age of 71 years old on the 2000 census. Lack of quick reaction times to cars pulling out onto Lake San Marcos Dr may and probably will cause an accident. This design as planned is very irresponsible. They do not want to make the changes as it will lower their profits.
Another concern our residents have is the age of the new owners in this complex. D R Horton plans to market this to all age groups. Even though there will be no play areas, the area would appeal to families that cannot afford condominiums in family communities because of high mello roos. Where will these children play? The project backs to Hunter Valley, an age restricted community. It’s bad enough that Hunter Valley residents backing to this area will lose their privacy because of the three story building without losing their peaceful and quiet neighborhood. Additionally, because of the proximity to San Marcos High School, we think that families with teenage drivers will also find this complex appealing. Teenage drivers in a community of slow reacting elderly drivers will create another very important safety concern. Additionally, families with teen age drivers often have more than 2 cars. There are only 11 additional guest parking spaces for 40 units at this complex. Where will the overflow guest parking occur? There is no parking (nor should there be) on Lake San Marcos Dr. There is an office complex nearby that will not allow additional parking. The only overflow parking will be on our community streets directly across Lake San Marcos Dr on La Tierra Dr in front of elderly resident’s homes. How will these parkers get to the condominium project except to dash across Lake San Marcos Dr. hoping to avoid cars along the way. This is a serious safety concern.
We have collected letters from 18 Homeowner Associations in Lake San Marcos that have given their support to this project if D R Horton will agree to make 2 changes to the plans. One is to re-design the site to allow one exit at the existing median and the other change is to make this project an age restricted complex. These two changes alone will make a tremendous difference to our safety and at the same time be in keeping with the character of Lake San Marcos. We have expressed to D R Horton that our HOA’s will support the project if the changes are made. We felt it was reasonable that if D R Horton knew that they would have our support upfront, they would make a business decision to re-design this project rather than going through the whole process to have many many objections raised at the public hearing and possibility of not being approved. I guess D R Horton does not think this is reasonable as they have rejected our proposal and ignored our concerns.
We are asking for your support to stop this project as designed.
Jacque Baker, Vice President
LSMCA
760-744-9229
JacqueBaker@adelphia.net