A digital rendering of the proposed Scripps Mesa Joint Occupancy Project viewed from Spring Canyon Road, looking north, as included in the environmental impact report.
Community discusses Joint Occupancy Project
The Miramar Ranch North Planning Committee (MRNPC) held a special ad hoc subcommittee meeting on Feb. 28 to discuss the accuracy and sufficiency of the draft environmental impact report for the Scripps Mesa Joint Occupancy Project. The project involves the proposed relocation of Innovations Academy charter school and subsequent construction of a mixed-use facility, including a 264-unit apartment complex at 10380 Spring Canyon Road.
Discussion opened with a chronological review of the project proposal from its inception. Lorayne Burley, who serves as MRNPC vice chair and project review chair, led the meeting, which was attended by more than 20 members of the community.
“In January 2016, all of the community groups: the Miramar Ranch North Planning Committee, the Scripps Ranch Planning Group, the Scripps Ranch Civic Association, the Scripps Ranch Schools Committee and the Scripps Ranch Park and Rec Council all voted to oppose this project … so there’s been no community support,” she said.
As areas of concern with the project were discussed, one of the issues raised was that of a “proposed ‘right turn in, right turn out’ access on to Scripps Poway Parkway” that would “impact the nature of the walkability on the sidewalk, the safety for children walking,” and overall pedestrian safety, according to Burley.
Other notable areas of concern that were shared by community members included the number of proposed units at the project site, suggesting that the affordable housing 35 percent bonus density should not be granted because it fails to meet public transit and Gun-Free School Zones Act criteria; insufficient parking for the new project, citing fears of parking overflowing in to adjacent parks; and aesthetics, due to the proposed four-story design of the facility.
“I’m concerned about parking, traffic, emergency services and blending with the community aesthetic of one-story commercial and two-story residential,” said Brenda Ruhl, a 17-year Scripps Ranch resident who attended the meeting.
Public comments and opposition are due on March 6 at 5 p.m. to San Diego Unified School District, which is the lead agency for the California Environmental Quality Act Report. Comments should be emailed to environmental@sandi.net.