RANCHO SANTA FE — The Rancho Santa Fe Association met to discuss a short agenda March 6 that dealt largely with local roadways and developments.

The meeting began with an update of the streetscaping that is currently taking place along Paseo Delicias and a few surrounding streets in the village center. Phase one of the project that includes construction of a new landscaped median between La Granada and El Tordo began Feb. 18. The new median will be approximately 8 feet wide and more than 600 feet long. Landscaping will be the new main feature of the median with trees and plantings extending through the area.

Associate Planner Arnold Keene explained that recent rains and the discovery of old drainage pipes have put the project about a week behind schedule, but plans for phase two and three are on schedule; all streetscaping should be complete in the next six weeks.

Phase two will include a new landscape planter at Linea del Cielo and El Tordo. Phase three will include intersection improvements at La Granada and El Tordo with improved paving materials at all four crosswalks. Curb pop-outs at each corner with planter areas will be incorporated at the intersection, as well as new sidewalks with improved textures.

Homeowner Elizabeth Manch raised her concern with the board regarding the possibility of a median strip being placed on El Tordo. “Trucks are already using El Tordo and it’s much more congested,” she said. She felt that another median strip would only worsen the situation.

Board members and Keene assured Manch that there are no plans to include such a median along El Tordo. “It may have been discussed at some point, but it’s never been in the plans,” said Association Vice President Bob Spears.

In other meeting business, Quantum Estates II that owns 39 acres south of Del Dios Highway requested a two-year extension in order to complete the processing of its proposed subdivision of the land into seven parcels. Planning Director Ivan Holler presented an update, telling the board of the progress that has been made, particularly regarding a fill slope along Del Dios Highway. The slope has been limited from 20 feet to 10 feet.

The board thanked the developers for their cooperation and approved the time extension. However, approval of any building or grading permits is still subject to Art Jury review and approval.

The board also considered a request from LS Hawaii Properties. In 2005, the company requested a water easement for a property it is developing in Rancho Santa Fe. The request was approved. The developer thought drainage pipes would have to be moved and therefore the easement would be located several yards to the east. Now, after revised plans, the developer is not sure the drainage pipes will have to be moved and wanted the plans to reflect that in a modification to the required conditions.

Board member Tim Sullivan was concerned that the easement might interfere with a proposed easement for a public horse trail, and was assured that the horse trail easement would not be affected. The motion to grant the condition request was approved unanimously.

Finally, property owners Kye-Hyung Paid and David Wheeler brought their need to adjust their lot lines before the board. The adjustment allows for more access to Wheeler’s property by emergency vehicles, such as firetrucks. The boundary line adjustment was approved.