Carlsbad City Council Approves Roosevelt Mixed-Use Project with Density Bonuses

The Carlsbad City Council meeting on July 29, 2025, spotlighted a significant development project—the Roosevelt Site Development Plan—aimed at enhancing the village area with mixed-use structures. The proposal includes 23 apartment units and approximately 5,400 square feet of commercial space, set to rise to four stories. This project is part of the Village and Barrio master plan and seeks to address housing needs while promoting local business.

City Planner Eric Lardy presented the project, highlighting its compliance with state density bonus laws, which allow for increased density in exchange for affordable housing commitments. The plan includes two very low-income units and two moderate-income units, qualifying the project for a 50% density bonus. However, it also requests several waivers from existing development standards, including height and parking requirements.

The council's discussion revealed mixed sentiments about the project's parking provisions. While the development is designed to include 24 residential parking spaces, concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of this number given the potential for multiple vehicles per household. Council members acknowledged the constraints imposed by state laws that limit local control over parking requirements, leading to a broader debate about the balance between development and community needs.

Despite the parking concerns, the council ultimately voted in favor of the project, passing it with a 4 to 1 majority. Council members expressed appreciation for the aesthetic appeal of the design and the developer's commitment to the community, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges related to parking in the area.

In addition to the Roosevelt project, the meeting also addressed the Barrio Traffic Calming Project, which aims to improve road safety and manage vehicle speeds through the installation of traffic circles. The council is considering three options, each with varying impacts on parking availability, as they seek to enhance safety without exacerbating existing parking shortages.

As Carlsbad continues to grow, these discussions underscore the city's efforts to balance development with community needs, particularly in terms of housing and transportation infrastructure. The outcomes of these projects will likely shape the future landscape of Carlsbad, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between development goals and resident concerns.