Planning Commission names representative to Downtown Committee; staff provides project updates

The Vista Planning Commission selected Commissioner De Jesus as the commission’s representative to the newly formed Downtown Committee and heard department updates on several development projects in the city.

Mr. Vacca (planning staff) briefed the commission on City Council action that established a Downtown Committee to examine the historic core, traffic, parking and public‑space opportunities. He said Councilmember Corina Contreras will serve on the committee and that the committee will include 11 additional members, one of whom will be a planning commissioner. The effort is expected to take about eight months with one meeting per month; the first meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 7, at 6 p.m. at the Abo Theater. Commissioner McCarthy recused himself from the selection discussion because he already serves on the committee as a property owner.

Commissioner Savage moved to nominate Commissioner De Jesus as the Planning Commission representative; Commissioner Looney seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Community Development staff then provided brief project updates noting that Costco has begun work to reestablish gasoline service, temporarily reducing parking in the northwest portion of that store’s lot and that construction is expected to take roughly eight months. Staff said the Vista Grande project (about 25 lots) is in grading and that contractor crews have encountered more bedrock than anticipated, delaying work. Camino Largo (a 46‑unit small‑lot subdivision) is close to obtaining grading permits, and Park Avenue Apartments (165 Eucalyptus) is nearing grading permits with developers indicating grading could start in April. Staff also reported that a city parking lot solar project is ahead of schedule and may reopen in about a month.

No public action was required for the informational updates.