CARLSBAD — It’s official, one of the city’s most recognizable groups is supporting Measure A.
The Carlsbad Firefighters Association (Local 3730) union threw its weight behind Caruso Affiliated’s proposal Thursday to develop a luxury mall and open space on the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and off Cannon Road.
The Coast News reported in December the union was endorsing the measure, while Thursday’s press conference served as the formal announcement at the information center off Cannon Road.
Measure A proposes commercial development on about 26 acres, while designating 176 acres for open space use. The special election is Feb. 23.
Union President Chris Lawrence said once he and the firefighters read the “facts,” it was an easy choice. He said he met Rick Caruso, who owns Caruso Affiliated and is the major funding source, several times and then discussed the matter during union meetings.
“After looking at all the facts … it’s something we feel good to stand behind,” Lawrence said. “Measure A will contribute about $2.6 million to the General Fund annually. This will help enhance public safety, police and fire services, parks, public libraries and build up the city’s infrastructure.”
The discussions with Caruso, Lawrence said, covered all aspects of the plan including one of the biggest for first responders — traffic.
It has been one of the most fiercely disputed aspects of the plan by opponents, who say the thousands of additional motorists on Interstate 5, Cannon Road and Paseo Del Norte will clog the area.
Lawrence, however, countered those claims citing traffic analysis, which was part of a compilation of several independent firms analyzing dozens of factors of the proposal including traffic. He said the final data shows improved traffic times including light changes and traffic will be improved at most of the 30-plus intersections reviewed.
“Measure A will also contribute nearly $10 million ($9.4 million) for traffic improvements,” Lawrence said. “The city has confirmed it will help traffic flow and decrease red light traffic light times, which as you all know in an emergency, is very important for us to get through.”
Lawrence said the association will take on any responsibility asked of it, but said their work will center on placing signs and pounding the pavement.
Rick Caruso, meanwhile, said he is “grateful” for the support of the firefighters. In addition, he also addressed the $9.4 million his company will pay for traffic improvements, which doesn’t include funds to Caltrans for the widening of I-5.
“It’s a very extensive traffic improvement program,” Caruso added. “All the independent studies and engineers … they made it very clear that once the improvements are done, the traffic flow will get better.”
The CFA joins a growing list of endorsements for the project. Earlier this week, 15 Carlsbad Village business owners announced their approval for Measure A in addition to a dozen current and former North County elected officials voicing support.
4 comments
Two facts. 1. The 1st amendment gives Lawrence the right to speak and endorse or oppose measure A no matter where he lives in this country. 2. Lawrence does live in Carlsbad. You and any other voter have the right to oppose Measure A, but what is the purpose of badmouthing a public servant who happens to be a Carlsbad resident?
Where do the Carlsbad firefighters live? If they don’t live in Carlsbad, there opinions and endorsements don’t count! This is a voter issue. I’m sure Union President Chris Lawrence is lining his pockets and his union’s pockets with Caruso’s money and promises. If Lawrence doesn’t live in Carlsbad, he should zip his lip.
Fire dept. for it since it will add to their coffers, like most of the council who were for it.
Revitalize Carlsbad Village, or the outlet before paving over dirt.
Wonder what donations the mayor got from the developer.
NO.
Boy! Did Fire ever get handed a load of junk! NO study shows traffic will be less. No study has shown the increased benefits from this project will not offset the losses from the surrounding businesses because people will go elsewhere due to traffic. Big mistake, Fire. Shame on you.
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