Why this petition matters...

We the undersigned residents of San Marcos, CA are opposed to the proposed 5-story 28,00 square foot apartment building on a 0.5 acre triangular lot in the median between San Elijo Middle School and the San Marcos Dog Park. There are many reasons why this proposal is not in the best interest for the San Elijo Hills / Old Creek Ranch community. 

We oppose this project and hope the city does as well.

Primary reasons why we are opposed to the proposed apartment complex:

1. Page 182 of The San Elijo Master Plan states multi-unit buildings should be a maximum of 3 floors.  A 5-story building is inconsistent with this design. The proposal is architecturally incompatible with the San Elijo vision.
   
   
2. The Ambient website emphasizes their commitment to community engagement and mutually beneficial projects. However, they have made no effort to gather input from the community or attend HOA meetings to discuss their proposal in detail. San Elijo residents have compiled a list of creative ideas for consideration, however there has been no outreach from Ambient to seek community input.
   
   
3. The structure being located on the upslope of a hill will tower over the existing 3-story townhomes directly below and potentially have direct views into the nearby schools/school playgrounds.
   
   
4. When Ambient proposed the preschool, the website noted “As we assessed the community’s needs, we looked for options that would enhance and enrich the community.”  31 single-bedroom apartments will enhance the lives of 31 families. The building however, would be a disservice to our community as it would impact safety, increase traffic, and be in contrast with the general plan.
   
   
5. The Ambient website also notes that their mission statement includes building credible and trustworthy relationships. Ambient has not responded to email inquiries from San Elijo residents in the past year.
   
   
6. The Ambient website states “Each community, residential or commercial, is planned with a sense of place and purpose; reflective of the local area.” However, this is not the case with the proposal of adding a 5-story building to a Master Planned community where no other structure is more than 3-stories.
   
   
7. This project does not uphold the values of San Elijo Hills Master Plan.  In years passed, there was a time where no chain restaurants or stores were allowed to lease within the town square because the intent was to keep San Elijo quaint and unique.  Putting a 27,000 monstrosity in the heart of our community is in contrast to those values.
   
   
8. Parking concerns are not adequately addressed in the proposal.  31 units will likely lead to 65 residents or more.  There is not sufficient parking for that many residents; not to mention guests/visitors.
   
   
9. Traffic and emergency evacuation impacts from the construction of such a large structure - again, if you are building something for “our community”... You will be delaying traffic in one of the two egress out of San Elijo for several months to benefit 31 families. There are currently three schools that rely on this route for drop off and pick-up.

We are not against developing the land, but oppose placing a 31-unit apartment complex in that location is not safe, lacks infrastructure, and does not serve our community. The spirit of the community's guidelines were established with the intention of achieving continuity throughout San Elijo Hills. The design theme enforced since the community's inception focuses on preserving the neighborhood's environment and architectural character, promoting consistency to enhance the identity of San Elijo Hills. We ask that builders be held to the same standards as the rest of the community in adhering to these guidelines, and respect that residents want to preserve not only the beauty of their community, but it's safety as well.

Let’s figure out what can go there instead!

You must be 18 to sign.

OTHER WAYS FOR PETITION SIGNERS TO GET INVOLVED:

Email Chris Garcia, Senior Planner with the City of San Marcos (cgarcia@san-marcos.net) & Ambient to express your disapproval.  

Duncan and Principals (Ambient):

dbudinger@ambient.email, 

ranselmo@ambient.email, 

rhoner@ambient.email, 

whall@ambient.email

CC: ConsiderSEHVoices@gmail.com

City Council members can be found at: https://www.san-marcos.net/your-government/council-members

Share this petition with other San Elijo/San Marcos residents through text, email and social media.