DEL MAR, Calif. — Voters in Del Mar will soon decide the fate of a 17-acre property near Via de la Valle and Camino del Mar.
The Marisol project would build a 65-room hotel with villas, affordable rental housing, and additional lodging for moderate-income guests plus restaurants and more than a mile of trails.
“What I see when I look at this property is something that everyone in the world and Del Mar can come and enjoy every day,” said Robert Green, Jr., President and CEO of the Robert Green Company.
Marisol is on the March ballot as Measure G. A “yes” vote would allow the project to move forward. Green says if residents vote no, his company will build 16 to 18 large homes in a gated community.
“We think this is a much better use of the land so that everybody can enjoy this real estate,” said Green.
Friends of Del Mar North Bluff, a coalition of Del Mar residents, opposes the project and wants voters to vote “no.”
“They’re upset that it bypasses our review process. They’re also upset about the environmental impact of it and finally the traffic impact,” said Del Mar Councilman Dave Druker.
The Del Mar City Council as a body has not taken a position on the measure.
Opponents fear the patrons of Marisol will congest Camino de Mar in Solana Beach and Del Mar. Green, however, claims traffic improvements as part of the development will improve timing.
Opponents have also cautioned the property could damage the bluff side, but Marisol’s fact sheet claims the project would divert 87% of stormwater and rain runoff, which is the leading cause of erosion at the bluff.
“It’s hard to imagine that’s the case, but it’s the fact and it’s not just us saying that this is a result of our environmental impact analysis for instance,” said Green.
Plans call for a one-level, below-ground parking garage about 100 yards from the edge of the bluff. Marisol proponents claim geologists believe it will not impact stability, but opponents remain concerned about damage.
“They think this will be an environmental disaster as a 400+ stall garage is hollowed out of the bluff,” said Druker of opponents to the project. “We are adamant about our opposition and want to make sure the voters of Del Mar understand the impact of this project on Del Mar.”
Developers also plan to add a “tax” on hotel stays to pay for a sand replenishment program to maintain the bluff and beaches in Del Mar.
“We see ourselves as stewards of the bluffs. We basically are going to reverse history of the property,” said Green. “Many of the critics simply don’t understand that what they’re hearing in media, online or from friends is completely inaccurate.”