Encinitas advances Torrey Crest subdivision with conditions

ENCINITAS — The Encinitas Planning Commission approved the Torrey Crest residential subdivision during a Thursday night meeting with conditions to address concerns over mature tree preservation, traffic and environmental impact.

The density bonus project on Melba Road and Island View Lane in Old Encinitas proposes demolishing all existing structures to make way for 30 single-family homes, including three affordable housing units.

Developer Torrey Pacific Corporation’s plan also includes a private road, park and other site improvements on the 7-acre parcel near Oak Crest Middle School.

The commission approved the project 4-0, with one member abstaining due to conflicting feelings about environmental concerns and development.

Since 2022, residents have criticized several aspects of the project, including insufficient stormwater drainage, increased traffic, planned disposal of toxic chemicals, and the removal of mature trees. The community group Melba Alliance for a Safe and Healthy Environment, or MASHE, previously hosted an informational meeting outlining these various concerns.

During the meeting, critics raised potential safety issues due to increased traffic projections, especially on Island View Lane, a narrow residential road dating back to 1947 that was originally used as a private road/driveway to a now-abandoned single-family residence at 1190 Island View Lane.

“There are a fair amount of children and pets on this very private road, and we are all very much against the use of Island View Lane for any access to this project,” the resident said.

Another major point of contention was the potential removal of up to 100 mature trees, some of which are over 100 years old, as part of road widening plans for Melba Road.

“Option A implements the full Public Road Standards, which removes the four mature trees along the project frontage,” the staff report reads.

In response, the Planning Commission recommended moving forward with Option B, a revised Melba Road improvement plan designed to preserve the trees.

“Prior to the issuance of the grading permit, the applicant shall obtain approval from the City Council for Option B pursuant to public road standards,” the staff report stated.

If the City Council rejects Option B, the plan will revert to Option A, which includes tree removal.

The project also required certification of an Environmental Impact Report. City planners incorporated revisions to the EIR based on public feedback and updated findings to reflect the changes in road design.

The commission’s decision moves the project forward with conditions, including final approval from the City Council on the road improvements.