Residents to Weigh in on Contentious Harmony Grove Proposal

A controversial proposal to bring a housing development to a plot of land near the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is set to be considered by the San Dieguito Planning Group Thursday. The Harmony Grove Village South proposal aims to redesignate a plot of undeveloped land near the intersection of Harmony Grove Road and Country Club Drive, west of Escondido and south of San Marcos, into a residential village that would add well over the 453-home maximum currently allowed by the San Diego County General Plan.  ‘This Ain’t Nothing’: Shacknai Reacts to Civil Verdict To accomplish this, the developer, listed as RCS Harmony Partners, will need an amendment to the county’s general plan — which was approved in 2011 with significant input from the community — a rezoning permit, and a habitat loss permit because the development would impact a habitat of Diegan coastal sage scrub.The San Dieguito Planning Group will consider the requests at Thursday’s meeting at the Rancho Sante Fe Fire Station 6 meeting room in Elfin Forest. Sheriff Gore ‘Surprised’ by Verdict in Spreckels Mansion Civil Case The planning group will then send a recommendation to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, who must approve any amendments to the general plan. The general plan was approved in 2011 with significant input from the community.Residents of Harmony Grove against the proposal are expected to voice their concerns at Thursday’s 7 p.m. meeting. Some believe the development would be a safety hazard.  Escondido to Back White House’s ‘Sanctuary’ Suit Against CA “They’re building more homes than the area is designed for and the general plan has prescribed,” Elfin Forest resident J.P. Theberge told NBC 7 last May. “They’re trying to triple the density in this little space than they’re entitled to.”Residents are concerned that the development proposal is in a “burn” area. “We’re in an area that burnt not only 2 to 3 years ago in the Cocos fire, the entire area burnt. Theberge said. “I want the Board of Supervisors to look at this plan and to look at what the evacuation risk really is.”Fire agencies reviewed the development plans for Harmony Grove Village South and consider it safe.Harmony Grove Village South is also the first new housing development in San Diego County required to comply with the Wildland Urban Interface plan. The comprehensive guide maps out a neighborhood’s topography, water supply and potential hazards.The development proposal is under public review until April 9. 
Source: NBC San Diego