CARLSBAD — The Carlsbad City Council has approved the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission work plans for the upcoming fiscal year, which include several major development projects and continued implementation of the city’s Historical Plaque Program.
The council unanimously approved both commissions’ accomplishments from the previous fiscal year and their work plans for the coming year during its July 7 meeting.
Mike Strong, director of Community Development, said the Planning Commission reviews major capital improvement projects and private development proposals, and participates in conferences and other training opportunities.
In fiscal year 2025-26, the Planning Commission approved the Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail, which has since been completed, according to city documents. Commissioners also approved the widening of El Camino Real, the 2026 Drainage Master Plan and plans to convert the 98-room Inns of America motel into apartments.
Planning Commissioner Nicholas Foster outlined several projects expected to come before the commission for public hearings in the upcoming fiscal year, including Robertson Ranch Park, Merwin Drive storm drain improvements, Fairfield Apartment Homes and the Dewhurst and Newage Carlsbad Luxury Resort.
“The city planning department is like the best in the world,” Foster said. “Mr. Strong, Eric Lardy and all those guys are great to work with. They really know their stuff.”
Historic Preservation Commissioner Jamie Jacobs said the commission will continue its work to “preserv[e] Carlsbad’s historic resources while making our history more accessible and engaging.”
She said the commission will continue partnering with local schools through its “Drawing on Carlsbad’s Past” art contest for third graders.
“That was so fun,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs said the commission also will continue its partnership with the Carlsbad Historical Society and provide oversight of the Magee House.
The city also plans to continue implementing the Historical Plaque Program with updated educational materials and QR codes.
Mayor Pro Tem Priya Bhat-Patel said she was excited to see the progress of the plaque program, particularly the accessibility provided through QR codes.
“It’s just a great way for folks to be able to come in and know that they’re looking at something historical,” Bhat-Patel said. “Whether it’s folks that are local or from out of town, they have the ability to really understand that there’s some history that they’re looking at.”
Councilmember Teresa Acosta thanked commissioners for volunteering their time to provide ideas and feedback on important community issues.
“It’s because you love your community like we do,” she said. “We’re so glad that you invest the time and energy into serving in that capacity.”
