Two tall buildings would complete downtown Oceanside’s master plan

Oceanside’s growing skyline could get taller and more crowded if two buildings — one eight stories tall and the other seven — are approved as the final pieces in a nine-block downtown master plan.

The two mixed-use developments proposed for North Myers Street just north of Mission Avenue will be discussed Wednesday by the Oceanside City Council, which could give them both a green light.

However, some council members and residents have called for caution because of the city’s rapid downtown growth in recent years. Ocean views have been obstructed, streets are more crowded, parking is harder to find, and buildings are more tightly packed in less space.

Members of the Oceanside Downtown Advisory Committee found little to like about the latest proposal when it was presented at their Aug. 20 meeting, where a motion to recommend the City Council’s approval died for the lack of a second.

“I see two buildings that are just sidewalk to sidewalk,” said committee member Tom DeMooy. “I don’t see any setback, any patios …. the building looks just like any other building. It would be nice to have a showcase … in downtown Oceanside.”

The two undeveloped parcels, known as Blocks 5 and 20, each cover about 1 acre on opposite sides of Pier View Way north of Mission Avenue. They line the western side of the railroad tracks used daily by Coaster, Amtrak, Metrolink and freight trains. Old buildings and a railroad yard that once were on the property were remov...