A proposed development in San Diego’s North County brought heated debate to the county planning commission Friday.
Supporters and opponents of the Lilac Hills Ranch project packed into the hearing room to voice their opinions. The 600-acre development would build more than 1,700 homes along the Interstate 15 corridor that stretches into Valley Center and Bonsall.
It would also include schools, a hotel, office and commercial space.
Those for the project, which has been in the works for five years, said it would have a small-town feel while incorporating the latest green technology, making Lilac Hills Ranch self-sufficient.
“This is what we really need, and I think it gives everyone an opportunity,” said Bonsall resident Kelly Grable. “For those of us who want to stay on our larger parcels of land, we have that. But it also gives those who want to live in the rural areas a place to come too.”
But opponents like Jack Shu with the Cleveland National Forest Foundation said the county’s rural areas should not be subjected to developments that belong in a city.
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Lilac Hills Ranch goes against existing county guidelines that restrict building in rural areas, so it would require an amendment to move forward.
“They’re calling this a sustainable project when it’s not,” said Shu. “In fact, they’re using criteria that belongs to Mars or anywhere else in the world. It doesn’t belong in our rural areas.”
The planning commission has not made a decision yet, but they are expected to take up the issue again next month.
