​​Proposed SEH Montessori preschool in triangle lot

We the undersigned residents of San Marcos, CA are opposed to the proposed Montessori preschool in the 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 Preschool.

Parking: The parking lot would be tiny (11 spots) with entrance/exits on both sides and a queue for cars along SEH Rd (removing street parking spots on both sides on SEH Road for entry and exit of preschool). Preschoolers can’t be dropped off, they need to be parked and walked inside. Staff would be utilizing the remaining street parking spots. There is already not enough parking for drop-off and pick-up for both SEMS and SEES.
Traffic: SEH Town Center is already a traffic nightmare at peak travel times.  The traffic report funded by the developer states: The surrounding roadway network experiences heavy traffic congestion during the AM and PM peak hours, including excessive queues along San Elijo Road.” Adding 120 cars to an already congested area takes away from residents’ quality of life.
Cutting through: E-bikes and cars would cut through this new parking lot, creating an unsafe situation for 120 preschoolers getting walked inside.  This occurred at Pacific Preschool and led to barriers being added to the entry and exit to the Pacific parking lot.  If barriers were added to the entry and exit of Central Montessori, this would further impact traffic in town.
Emergency Evacuations: There are 2 primary exits from San Elijo in the event of an emergency evacuation (wildfire, hurricane, other)...The impact of adding a preschool during evacuations is an added liability and puts residents in danger.  This was not considered in the Traffic study.  The city does not have a comprehensive evacuation plan available for residents to review. 120 parents heading IN to that small triangle lot as people are evacuating is scary to think about.
Accidents on SEH Road: It is not unimaginable to think of the catastrophic consequences if a car traveling down San Elijo Road gets hit or distracted or impaired and lands into that lot — especially since both playgrounds are parallel to San Elijo Road.
Environmental: Per Home Fed report, over 32,000 cars travel through San Elijo Road on a daily basis. Is the air safe for developing brains with all those gas fumes (indoor classes and outdoor playgrounds)? We don’t know because it has not been studied.
Sound: Has the developer hired an acoustic engineer to measure the road noise and if it’s within acceptable range for a learning environment.
Not Needed: We have two quality preschools adjacent to Town Center (Pacific Preschool and the City’s Raggedy Ann and Andy program). By adding a third (and more expensive) preschool, we would be jeopardizing these two established programs who are already not at capacity. Plus, as SMUSD expands to universal TK (4 year olds) by 2025, those existing preschools will have to rethink enrollment. Why add another hurdle? 
Other ideas for location: We would like the developer to consider some beneficial options for our community. teen center, lullabar-like business with child care, urgent care/minute clinic, fitness or yoga studio, medical building, pet training like Zoom Room, mental health center, after-school enrichment (music, art, STEM, coding, tutoring, etc.), WeWork-type space for flexible office space 

We are not against Central Montessori or developing the land, but placing a preschool in that location is not safe, not wanted, and does not serve our community. Not only will it negatively impact our community, but is adding liability to the city and developer. Let’s figure out what can go there instead!

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