Del Mar Fairgrounds Plan Moves Forward

 A master plan for renovations at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is moving forward.

On Tuesday, a settlement was reached in a lawsuit between the fairgrounds, Solana Beach, Del Mar and the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority.

Officials estimate it will take several months to get renovation projects rolling. Those projects are expected to create new jobs in our region, giving the local economy a boost.

"The number one, two and three priority projects is a replacement of the old outdated exhibit halls," said Adam Day, 22nd District Agricultural Association Board President.

"Those halls need updating for building codes, safety codes. They need to be more efficient as far as allowing event planners to host events there."

The highlights of the deal say the fairgrounds will not build a hotel within the next five years.

An electronic reader board will not be placed overlooking Interstate 5. Road improvements will also be looked into. They will also study the impacts the fairgrounds has on the broader region.

More than 1.5 million people attended the San Diego County Fair held at the fairgrounds in June 2012. That was an increase from the approximate 1.4 million people who attended the previous year.

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