Pacifc Station, “a beautiful sardine can”, Approved
By J.P.(J.P.)
Encinitas panel approves downtown project By: ADAM KAYE – Staff Writer ENCINITAS —-
With no public speakers voicing opposition, the Planning Commission on Thursday
approved plans for a mixed commercial and residential complex in the …

ENCINITAS —- With no public speakers voicing opposition, the Planning Commission on Thursday approved plans for a mixed commercial and residential complex in the heart of downtown Encinitas.

The vote was 4-1, with commissioner Tom McCabe dissenting.

The so-called “Pacific Station” would bring three stories worth of stores, restaurants, offices and homes to South Coast Highway 101 at F Street.

The project, which includes two levels of underground parking, would be the largest of its kind in downtown Encinitas since The Lumberyard shopping center was built nearly 25 years ago.

Plans show 47 condominiums, 37,000 square feet of retail space, 10,000 square feet of office space and a 4,600-square-foot restaurant. The building floor area would total 105,244 square feet.

None of nearly a dozen public speakers opposed the project —- a rarity in Encinitas for a proposal of such size and prominence.

“It’s a project you hate to love,” said activist Gilbert Foerster. “It’s a sardine can, but it’s a beautiful sardine can.”