Oceanside residents rally against Eddie Jones Mega Warehouse citing safety and environmental concerns

The Oceanside City Council convened on January 22, 2025, to address significant community concerns regarding two major development projects: a residential project on Wooster and the Eddie Jones Mega Warehouse Project.

The meeting began with residents expressing their apprehensions about the proposed residential development. Concerns were raised about the safety of having only one entrance and exit for the project, particularly in light of past fire incidents in the area. One resident recounted a previous fire that necessitated evacuations and highlighted the dangers posed by the surrounding combustible landscape. The reduction of homes from 282 to 199 was noted, but residents argued that this still did not warrant a second access point, raising fears about emergency response capabilities.

Following this discussion, attention shifted to the Eddie Jones Mega Warehouse Project. Community members voiced strong opposition, citing the project's scale, which they described as significantly larger than a typical Costco. Concerns included the anticipated increase in traffic on local roads and the potential impact on emergency evacuation routes. Residents also highlighted environmental worries, particularly regarding noise, pollution, and the disruption to local habitats near the San Luis Rey River.

The council acknowledged the completion of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the warehouse project, which is set to be reviewed by the Planning Commission on February 10. Residents expressed their intent to attend this meeting to further voice their concerns, emphasizing that the project does not align with the community's character or its appeal as a vacation destination.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the community's strong opposition to both developments, with residents calling for careful consideration of safety, environmental impact, and the overall quality of life in Oceanside. The council's next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations as these projects move forward in the planning process.