Venice residents voice concerns over Knights Trail housing development plans

The Venice Planning Commission convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss the proposed development of 200 homes on Knights Trail, a topic that has sparked significant public interest and concern. The meeting featured several residents voicing their opinions and questions regarding the project, which is part of a larger plan that has seen changes over the years.

The first speaker, a resident from 8310 Lightfoot Drive, expressed strong opposition to the proposed development. He highlighted the recent construction of multiple apartments and small housing units in the area, many of which remain unoccupied. He criticized the quality of these buildings, stating they were poorly constructed and inspected inadequately by city officials. The speaker urged the commission to consider developments that align better with the surrounding community, suggesting that future projects should focus on building quality homes on larger lots, similar to those in Mission Valley. He raised concerns about the current infrastructure on Knights Trail, stating it cannot support additional traffic from new developments.

Another resident, Dan Sater, questioned the scale of the project, referencing earlier plans that indicated a potential build-out of 1,200 units. He sought clarification on whether the current proposal of 200 homes was indeed the final number or if there were plans for further expansion.

A third speaker raised concerns about stormwater management, emphasizing the need for a detailed grading plan. He pointed out that the nearby fire training facility is significantly elevated compared to the surrounding areas, which could lead to flooding issues if the stormwater systems are inadequate. He requested information on how the proposed development would manage runoff and protect private wells and septic systems in the area.

In response to the public comments, a representative clarified that the overall comprehensive plan for the Knights Trail neighborhood allows for a maximum of 737 units across the entire 73-acre site, but the current discussion is focused solely on the proposed 200 homes. The representative assured attendees that a drainage and grading plan would be included in the site plan set, addressing the concerns raised about stormwater management.

The meeting concluded without any immediate resolutions, but the discussions highlighted the community's apprehensions regarding the proposed development and its potential impact on the existing infrastructure and quality of life in the area. The Planning Commission is expected to continue reviewing the project and consider the feedback from residents in future meetings.