Oceanside overturns approval of 83-home Guajome Lake subdivision

Plans to build 83 single-family homes at the edge of Guajome Regional Park, south of state Route 76 near Oceanside’s border with Vista, were unanimously overturned Wednesday by the Oceanside City Council.

The City Council agreed that an environmental impact report prepared for the Guajome Lake Homes project failed to adequately address public safety, land-use issues and wildlife concerns. The 17-acre site, of which about 10 acres would be developed, is in Oceanside’s only “equestrian overlay,” where residents are allowed to keep and ride horses.

The city’s Planning Commission approved the project in October despite objections from nearby residents, who appealed the decision to the City Council saying the environmental report was deficient and the subdivision was incompatible with surrounding land uses. Wildfire concerns also were raised.

“The majority of the lots along Guajome Lake Road are roughly two acres,” said appellant Jennifer Jacobs Schauble, in her remarks to the City Council.

“Guajome Regional Park is one of the largest natural areas in the city … a bird sanctuary with over 200 acres of habitat for native wildlife,” she said. “The park is also a key part of the equestrian heritage of this area, providing miles of riding trails for the surrounding horse owners.”

Guajome Lake Road provides the only access to the proposed development, but parts of the road are curved, unpaved and the dust from vehicles can be blinding, she said.