We don’t need no education?

By JP(JP)

The plan for the only public school campus in downtown Encinitas has been two years in the making, and at least one more year of hearings and debate is expected before any construction begins. That’s because the campus today is zoned …

At tonight’s city council meeting school officials and their consultants will show a replacement plan developed in cooperation with neighbors that calls for housing and offices on the 2.8-acre site.

The plan for the only public school campus in downtown Encinitas has been two years in the making, and at least one more year of hearings and debate is expected before any construction begins.

That’s because the campus today is zoned only for public or semi-public buildings, such as churches, medical or government offices. The council on Wednesday will decide whether to authorize the city’s staff to begin processing the zoning change requested by the school district.

When completed, the change would need the approval of at least four City Council members. The state Coastal Commission also would need to approve it.

I think this comment on the NCT.com page sums it up, Delaney wrote on May 22, 2007 12:15 PM:
“I thought that the original owner of this property sold it to the EUSD for one dollar under the assumption that the Pacific View property would always be used as a beautiful school site for the children of Encinitas. That is, obviously, not what is going to happen. As a public school teacher, mother and life-long Encinitas resident, I am truly sorry that the property will not be used for the local Enci kids at all.”

and this, Diane wrote on May 22, 2007 5:07 PM:
“Medical offices are not public/semi public buidlings — they are for profit commercial ventures – why should the City subsidize cosmetic surgeons! As for Pacific View that land should be used for children — why not put some soccer fields there and downsize the proposed sports complex so many residents are opposed to at the Hall Property. The last thing we need is another new development of offices and residences that will block our ocean views. That land should be preserved for children, and their children.”

I think this site could be used for downtown Encinitas employee parking and overflow summer beach parking. But, you know what would be great? If it was a school!

As downtown Encinitas increases it’s density with more condos, lofts and duplexes shouldn’t the city prepare for more kids in the area? Or, are we to assume that all the new residential developments will just be summer rentals or occupied by childless singles?