As a resident deeply concerned about the preservation of our local environment, I am alarmed by the recent Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit, PRJ-1105341, filed by Surf Sports (Pioneer Sports and Entertainment). The permit outlines plans for a 48,066 SF two-story building, on a 23.88-acre lot adjacent to the former polo fields. The scope of work on our cherished wetlands calls for a sports complex, courts, surface parking and more. This corner lot that parallels Via de la Valle is an area not zoned for such development and is already a traffic nightmare for residents.

Renderings suggest that this proposed structure would be much larger in scale than initially presented, with an elevated platform likely designed to circumvent the annual flooding typical in these wetlands. Such construction threatens to disrupt our local ecosystem and could set a dangerous precedent for future developments.

The idea that the City would even glance at a project owned by a Florida company – the same irresponsible entity that has already twice been cited and fined for illegal grading and pumping water into the San Dieguito River from that property’s supposedly protected wetlands – is mind boggling.

Moreover, this project will inevitably lead to increased traffic and further commercialization of our community – changes that many residents are strongly opposed to. We must protect the character and integrity of Via de la Valle, Rancho Santa Fe and Solana Beach from such invasive developments.

We urge the City of San Diego not only to consider these concerns but also act upon them by denying approval for both Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit sought by Surf Sports Del Mar (d.b.a Pioneer Sports & Entertainment). Let's preserve our wetlands, maintain peace in our community, reduce traffic congestion, and prevent unnecessary commercialization. Please sign this petition today!