Escondido public comments press for more affordable homes as Cleveland/Conway subdivision is continued to June 23

The Escondido Planning Commission took an extended public-comment period on a continued Cleveland Avenue and Conway Drive residential subdivision and confirmed the item will be continued to the commission’s June 23 hearing.

Several residents used the courtesy opportunity to speak in favor of the subdivision only if it commits to significantly more on-site affordable housing than currently required. Mary Kathleen O'Keefe Morris, who identified herself as an Escondido resident, told the commission the state density-bonus and city code currently would require three of 29 homes on the Cleveland/Conway tract be affordable — roughly 10% — and urged the commission to require 20–25% or six to seven units. "I urge this planning commission to approve the development only if the number of affordable housing units is increased to 20 or 25%," she said.

Other speakers echoed affordability concerns and raised safety and infrastructure issues. Kenny Morris requested as much as 25% affordability and objected to in-lieu fee options that could move affordable units off-site. Mark Scope and other neighbors said the area has limited egress and wildfire risk, while Fred Anstrom and Joe Morris raised questions about water supplies, septic capacity and whether previous project promises of affordable units had been met. Chair Spear said the public comments would be considered when the item returns to the commission; he confirmed the item is scheduled for the June 23 meeting.

The commission did not act on the Cleveland/Conway subdivision at this meeting; the continuation gives staff time to prepare a formal presentation and to consider written communications already received. The item will again be noticed and give the public another opportunity to present testimony and for staff to answer technical questions at the June 23 hearing.