San Diego

Development Proposal Near San Marcos Approved San Diego County Board of Supervisors

The Newland Sierra development is planned just north of Deer Springs Road, west of Interstate 15

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a controversial residential development in North County that will bring about 2,000 homes and commercial buildings to an open space in an unincorporated area near San Marcos.

The Newland Sierra development is planned just north of Deer Springs Road, west of Interstate 15.

The project calls for seven distinct neighborhoods with parks and 19 miles of trains and would include a small town center, according to Newland Communities, the group in charge of the project.

The project would preserve more than 61 percent of the land west of Interstate 15 and north of State Route 78 as open space.

As it is, the property is zoned for commercial and office development and 99 large-lot homes in the General Plan.

Some supporters believe the plan is necessary in the midst of a housing crisis while opponents argue the development would only add high-priced homes to an already congested area near Interstate 15. 

Deborah Settles said when she learned of the planning commission had passed the project she was "totally stunned." "After all of the evidence presented, all of the residents spoke about what this is going to do to our country, our little valley, the gridlock, the emissions, the reclaimed water."

The planning commission in June voted 6-1 in favor of recommending the project to the full board.

More than 100 people were on the list for public comments.

The board of supervisors passed the proposal at 4:32 p.m. Wednesday.

Contact Us