Encinitas task force report recommends four new locations for low-income housing

ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) – The Encinitas City Council agreed at Wednesday night's meeting to accept a report produced by the city's Affordable Housing Task Force and leave it up to the incoming council to decide what to do next. 

This comes as a proposal for a low-income housing project on city-owned property known as "L-7" on Quail Gardens Drive continues to draw backlash from the community.

After spending four months looking at numerous factors, the 13 members of the task force identified four top options as potential sites to build a project with at least 45 low-income units. 

“We really felt as a task force that the advantages of the these four definitely outweigh the disadvantages," said Allison Blackwell, the deputy mayor of Encinitas.

The outgoing deputy mayor helped lead the task force along with outgoing Mayor Tony Kranz.

The top four sites include the city’s public works property on Calle Magdalena and the property where Encinitas City Hall currently sits on Vulcan Avenue. 

The North County Transit District parking areas are also included, with another option using some of the train station's parking property and part of the city hall's.

For task force member Elena Thompson, these options represent a win. 

"The city was going to offer up as surplus land precious park land -- the Quail Gardens park site -- and that park site is in our general plan as a designated park space," Thompson said.

As part of the city’s general plan, it has also committed to creating 838 low-income units under state law. While the city is currently in compliance, some residents worry about the future. 

“Even when you come up with a viable solution, Sacramento is telling us it's my way or the highway," said Dennis Kaden, a task force member.

Others agree that finding solutions will come with challenges that cities like Encinitas have seen in the past. 

“Cities are not fighting back, but wanting to work with the state rather than get sued by the state," Thompson said.