County supervisors voted four-to-one Wednesday to approve a permit to expand a Buddhist meditation center in Bonsall, despite opposition from a community planning advisory group.
The County Board of Supervisors gave the green light to expand the Dai Dang Meditation Center near the Camino del Rey area.
The San Diego County Planning Commission voted to approve the expansion of the 33,000-square-foot Buddhist meditation center back in April, but a Bonsall-based community planning advisory group quickly appealed the decision.
Opponents argued that the expansion did not fit in with the Bonsall community’s rural character and could cause potential agricultural, traffic and road safety issues.
"The concern for me is that the proposed buildings do not meet the community character. Even with the large estates that are out there, they are equestrian facilities or agriculture facilities. This is not that type of a project. It will be a commercial project,” said opponent Mike Hulsizer.
On Wednesday afternoon, opponents continued to argue against the expansion.
However, after several hours of listening to arguments from both sides, the Board of Supervisors rejected the opponents’ arguments, moving forward with approval for the expansion.
Meanwhile, proponents believe the expanded Buddhist meditation center will be good for the surrounding community and will not compromise the environment.
“That's the nature, people see certain things, and view that's not, they don't like it because it disturbs the environment, but because of meditation, I don't think it will disturb the environment,” said proponent Victoria Nguyen.
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