SOLANA BEACH — With final votes still rolling in, the majority of participating Solana Beach voters have voted “No” in response to a potential zoning change that would allow for a senior care facility on the east side of town.
“No” votes have maintained the majority by about a 3% margin over the past few days. As of May 14, 1,721 voters disapprove of the project, with 1,623 voting “yes.”
The special election has been in the making for years, with investors purchasing the 2.9-acre property off of Genevieve Street several years ago with the intention of turning it into a senior care facility with about 99 beds.
The developer was able to gather enough signatures in January to bring Measure B to a vote.
The lot in question is currently zoned to allow for one to two dwelling units per acre. If the current results stick, the zoning will stay that way.
The developer had proposed a specific plan overlay, which would’ve added to the zoning allowances of the lot a state-licensed senior care facility with up to 99 beds.
In the all-mail ballot special election, 36.7% of the registered voters in Solana Beach participated.
Under Proposition T, voters have a say over zoning changes within the city — particularly those which increase the allowed density usage of a lot.
The measure has prompted widespread opposition in the surrounding Marine View Drive neighborhood. Members of the Marine View Homeowners Association started a website under the title “Keep Solana Safe,” pointing to the potential negative impacts of a senior care facility on the neighborhood.
Neighbors were primarily preoccupied with how increased traffic from visitors and center employees would impact the surrounding rural streets.
The project’s developer had no comment at this time.
