More than 70 people turned out this evening for Save South O’s community workshop about the Coast Highway EIR. Those attending heard about
- The history of the Coast Highway Vision process that began in 2007
- How the city’s process seemed geared towards generating a specific result (the road diet), rather than listening to what the community wanted
- The differences between the five proposed alternatives as they would impact South O
- The negative impacts of the proposed road diet and development incentives on South O — including (with some options) more traffic from increased density with fewer traffic lanes
- The impact the “temporary” road diet between Morse and Oceanside Blvd. has already had on merchants there
- The potential for the traffic circles (not normally used on such narrow streets) to slow emergency vehicle access, and resident concerns about their negative impact on pedestrian safety
- The strong and consistent opposition of South O residents and business owners to the proposed changes
- The plans of the South Oceanside Business District to push for lighted crosswalks across Coast Highway, particularly at Kelly and Whaley, and better speed enforcement on Coast
- The better bicycle safety provided by completing the Rail Trail (or having cyclists continue to use Pacific Street)
Those present also heard about the positive vision that South O leaders have to maintain and (incrementally) improve the character of the community, a process that has been going on without (or despite) city hall intervention. As Charlie Anderson said, we want to keep South O “authentic”, which will keep Oceanside attractive to both locals and out of town visitors.
We met at Beach Break Cafe, founded 30 years ago in South O and now the anchor of the business district. Co-owner Zell Dwelley talked about how they invested first to create the business, and then to move to their current, much larger location in 2010 — without developer incentives. It is this sort of organic, community-driven growth that we believe will preserve the character of South O that drew us all to this unique North County neighorhood.
Our Recommendation
For all the reasons summarized (and linked) above, Save South O believes what is best for South Oceanside is for city to keep the Road Diet and Development Incentives north of Oceanside Blvd., with no Coast Highway changes south of Oceanside Blvd.
Despite the community’s consistent position, the council did not study this option in their EIR; instead, the options are:
- No Project Alternative: no change from today
- Alternative 1, Road Diet on Coast Highway from Harbor Drive to Oceanside Blvd., and development incentives throughout the city, including South O
- Alternative 2, the same as #1 except it extends the Road Diet to Morse (through the “Dip”), with the Incentive District throughout the city
- Alternative 3, Road Diet and Incentive District from Harbor Drive to Morse Street
- Alternative 4, a Road Diet for the entire city, with no development incentives
Therefore, the only two options we can recommend are
- No Project Alternative: the only option the city studied that leaves South O alone
- Alternative 1, but modified with no Development Incentives south of Oceanside Blvd.
Note that Save South O takes no position on what happens north of Oceanside Blvd. For the same reason that we believe South O deserve autonomy for what happens here, we hope the council decision will reflect the will of the majority of the impacted residents and businesses in North coastal Oceanside.
Submitting Feedback
After issuing the revised EIR in November 2018, the city has set a deadline for submitting feedback: 5 p.m. Monday January 14. Feedback should be sent to John Amberson (JAmberson@ci.oceanside.ca.us). Residents may also want to send their feedback to the city council at Council@ci.oceanside.ca.us
Given our clear arguments, several outside visitors — as well as newcomers to South — said they found it hard to imagine why the city would oppose this position. At this point, our biggest enemy is complacency.
We encourage all South O residents to contact both city staff and the council to let them know your position. You should not only state your position, but also any specific aspect on your, your family or your business that the proposed changes might have.
Please also contact your friends and neighbors — not only those who live in South O, but anyone else who lives in the city who shares your concerns. A change to the character of South O will impact those who visit our community as well.
Feel free to contact Save South O if you have any questions or concerns.
A major aspect of the Coast Highway plan is creating a “Development Incentive Overlay”. The major aspects of 
Save South O 