“A Podunk school on the outskirts of some forgotten desert city? Nope. How about 3 acres of prime coastal real estate 1 block from the beach? Yep.”
At the corner of Fourth and F Street in Encinitas sits a paradox. A huge parcel of prime coastal real estate wearing nothing but some dilapidated buildings and a rusty chain link fence. Born in 1953, and closed in 2003, here sits Pacific View Elementary School, still waiting for a community-approved purpose in life once again.
“A new issue hits the table…much like that unwanted second helping that’s plopped on your plate after you’re all finished eating…”
Land this close to the ocean is always in high demand, even in the current real estate market. Weighing in at almost three acres of level land, such a sizable parcel is extremely rare. Fair trade utilizing this parcel could result in quite an economic boost to a school system that could use the support.
Instead of selling the property, Encinitas Union School District is hoping to trade the land to a developer. In return, getting some income-generating property to include buildings to be used by the school system, as well as commercial space available for rent. In order to accommodate proposed development on the site, the school district needs the zoning of the property modified. One mixed use idea, “Pacific View Commons” would include commercial units, 
condos, town homes and single family homes, which would not be permitted under the current public use zoning classification.
After two years of planning and research, the school district presented their plan to the Encinitas Planning Commission in July of 2008. The plan was not approved due to remaining concerns regarding adequate parking, building height and lot setbacks…
“OK, so now what?”
The Naylor Act (passed in 1980) deals with the sale of public use properties (like schools) to private developers, thus depriving the community of long-standing resources once available to residents. The act gives a city the first right of refusal when a property is deemed surplus and no longer wanted by the institution.
By developing the plan to trade the property for facilities elsewhere, Encinitas Union School District was not required to offer the property to the city of Encinitas for sale, bypassing the city’s option to purchase it at a reduced rate.
Retaining the property for public use as a park is a new option that has been brought to the table, and one that may not only stall the development plans, but sideline the entire project. Because the sale of the property was never discussed, community leaders apparently never considered making an effort to retain the property for public use. And don’t forget the historical Encinitas Schoolhouse (built in 1883) sitting proudly upon the property in question…
“Does Encinitas really need more public space with Moonlight Beach a stones throw away?”
New construction has been filling in open spaces in quaint Encinitas, as density becomes the new buzzword in civic planning. Preservation of public spaces such as parks requires active planning. Is this now a desperate effort to preserve a sleepy beach town by preventing development? Or perhaps morphing into a well-considered and fiscally responsible priority for the community? Public spaces are important. So is full disclosure and foresight, especially in choosing the shape of the city that tomorrow’s children will thrive in. Perhaps now all options are finally on the table, and ready for consideration. Or, will we see yet another five years of debates and studies…while this rare treasure sits fading in the sun?
North County Times – Going to the planning commission…
North County Times – Commission delays decision…
North County Times – Questions arise regarding state laws…
Encinitas Union School Distric-Sept. 2008 Q & A on the basic issues…
