What the city is proposing is a change of the height restrictions in Cardiff on the Sports Fields to allow stadium field lighting up to 90 feet. (about the height of a nine story building).
This would include:
A general plan amendment
A local plan amendment
A major use plan amendment
A Design review modification
A Coastal development permit
ZONING CHANGE
Facts:
The lighting plan calls for up to 340 lights on 34 poles up to 90 feet.
The EIR states clearly that the recommended field requirements of our city is one field per ten thousand residents within a one mile radius.
The current Sports Park plan would create fourteen (14) Sports Fields within a one half mile radius with (8) eight of them lighted.
This spot zoning would set a precedent for 90 foot height limits in our city.
Leo Mullins Sports Fields, (two fields), the latest developed sports fields near Target, was not spot zoned and does not allow permanent lights even though there are only two immediately adjacent residents, only businesses, because residents did not want lights and the city complied with the wishes of the local community.
The only city funded survey on this park proposal did not want lights.
The park design that citizens developed, after being invited by the city to “design your park”, did not include lights.
The majority on written and recorded oral comments on the Hall Sports Park, concerning lights, did not want lights.
Cal Trans wrote a letter on file indicating they not want lights.
A large share of citizens working on the general plan amendments throughout the city want a dark sky amendment, like the Olivenhain area of Encinitas.
Lights could be on and loud speakers used till 12 PM. (allowed in EIR)
Homes that are east of the Sports Park with a sunset view will no longer enjoy this
asset, diminishing their property value.
From Hall EIR:
“…there are areas in the northwest and southwest corners of the site where light could spill beyond the park property lines.”, and …lighting of the walkways, parking lot, and athletic fields may result in a significant impact (impact Visual-1)
“ In addition, the project has the potential to result in light trespass onto adjacent properties.”
“There may be locations where a pedestrian within the park or offsite may view directly onto the athletic field lighting (FKA 2006a).”
“This glare would not result in the reduction of the ability to see or identify objects; however, it could cause discomfort for the viewer (i.e., discomfort glare).
In the Hall E.I.R., there are photos of the Sports Park area that show what the area looks like with and without lights. The lighting visual simulation depicted show only (17), seventeen poles. The current light proposal call for (39) light poles.
Further, there are simulations of light poles on the property, which would obstruct views as 39 telephone would. There are no photo simulations of what the lights might look like after dark, which would be far more intrusive.
We have offered some photo simulations of the lights on at dusk and at night. We offer this because the city has not and will not.
See Attached.
Because the city is trying to get this through as soon as possible, I am offering this information so all concerned can act, as they see fit, to this radical change to our community’s future.
If you believe this is not advantageous for Cardiff, there are some things that can be done.
Let your neighbors know what is being proposed. Write letters to the editors, email Council members, support petitions, contact Coastal Commission and go to any city meetings related to this proposed change.
City project manager: Kelly Morgan
http://www.blogger.com/
Spread the word.
Thank You
The following photos show a simulation of stadium lights(on) on the Sports Fields and the simulation of lights offered by the city (off) and simulation of lights in selected streets. The photo of the Sports Fields with light poles in daylight is from the Enviornmental Impact Report on the Hall property supplied by the city. It does not show the impact of lights at night, which is pertinent, and implys that there are 17 poles, when the current plan is for 39 poles.
Click to enlarge
View towards Sports park / end of Glasgow
6/13/10
with lights
EIR photo showing sports park location
with lights
Sports Field lights simulation by city from EIR
Shows 17 light poles
same photo with 29 sports field stadium lights with some coastal fog.
ON
The Planning Commission, A City funded survey, the majority of public comments, neighbors and two council members all agreed that the current plan is not what the public wants. At present, the wishes of the above have been ignored and efforts to compromise have been ignored. As well as traffic issues, such as the F grade, (EIR report), of one of the main entrances, a narrow two lane road with parking on one side.
The empathetic response to the citizens in the neighborhood from their council members has been comments like, “We will do whatever we want.” , “ Left field is enough of a buffer zone” and “If we don’t build more soccer fields, we will have to build more jails”
The majority on council have gotten their way, disregarding any other opinions. It is not fair, or within the guideline of the general plan to implement this intrusion. At all of the General Plan workshops, there are citizen that desire a dark sky ordinance, like the Olivenhain area of the city.
This is not fair to Cardiff.
The Planning Commission, A City funded survey, the majority of public comments, neighbors and two council members all agreed that the current plan is not what the public wants. At present, the wishes of the above have been ignored and efforts to compromise have been ignored. As well as traffic issues, such as the F grade, (EIR report), of one of the main entrances, a narrow two lane road with parking on one side.
The empathetic response to the citizens in the neighborhood from their council members has been comments like, “We will do whatever we want.” , “ Left field is enough of a buffer zone” and “If we don’t build more soccer fields, we will have to build more jails”
The majority on council have gotten their way, disregarding any other opinions. It is not fair, or within the guideline of the general plan to implement this intrusion. At all of the General Plan workshops, there are citizen that desire a dark sky ordinance, like the Olivenhain area of the city.
This is not fair to Cardiff.
NO LIGHTS
ACT NOW
STAY INFORMED
http://sosencinitas.com/SOS/Home.html
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15 comments:
Thank you for letting us know about this.
What can we do to stop it?
We live directly east of Hall on the other sdie of 5 and we do not want lights. We don't like the effect of the lights at the Lake and the Academy Sports fields. The traffic is going to be bad enough. No lights.
We enjoy our sunsets. We want to keep them.
You should see how bright the lights are for the driving range at the carlsbad crossings golf course. They were installed a few years ago and are just a massive eyesore for the neighbors to the south.
Take a drive up there at night and envision that for Cardiff.
Lights and loud speakers?
What about Leo Mullins? How did those fields not have light poles? They are in soccer country.
When is the Citizens Particapation Program scheduled?
You tools. Sell your homes now. Carlsbox soccer moms have bought our wall of sausage and they are smearing their bacon all over Cardiff. You failed to out them last election don't fail again. Vote out Dalager at all costs. Once he's gone the momentum will be their to oust Stocks. Support a good candidate and get Dalager out. That is your only saving grace.
Old Encninitian. I am not looking forward to even more Carlsbad traffic in our town.
Close the golf course that is apparently losing money and put the soccer fields there. Closer to Carlsbad, better entrance. They are used to the traffic already
It's so disappointing to know that the City doesn't care about the constituents that reside around the Hall Park. How may of the people pushing this project live next door to a park like this one with all these lights.
It just seems crazy to put lights in this park to the detriment of those in the surrounding area. It is also a great expense to us for very little benefit.
All of the sports activities can be done during daylight hours.
Way to bend over city council! Did the Sports Leagues lube you up real good? Bring on the biggest tools of all time-Soccer mom and Little League dad!!! Ah the sound of SUV's with painted windows barreling thru the hood will be GREAT!
.All this issue has been full of is sharp political practice since the council decided not to take the park to the public by vote. The park would have never got a 2/3 majority as per prop 13. All the game of keep away has cost is$ 12.5 million in interest The burn rate .and another $2 million in politics with consultants and reports.None of the three council men are business or land use savvy. The staff should rebbuked for supporting this hoax. This whole big giveaway is a non conforming use in any R zone and is prohibited.Thanks to Morgan for the light depictions. Hell no we don't want or need lights, and I 'm fed up with the council, and this Olivenheim bunch and their attitude and the council for the constant protecting and sandbagging for them. Dark Skies indeed... Pat O'Connor
I have lived just east of Hwy 5 for 40 years. I can accept the taller growth of trees that has impacted the once-total ocean view, and the occasional two-story home here and there, but such an explosion of bright lights due west of me is not acceptable. I understand that the original park plan did not include lights, nor should it have. The additional traffic to the area can hopefully be managed wisely, but tall, bright lights are out of the question. Spread the word!...
First of all, thanks to whoever is responsible for putting up the street posters about this issue and this blog page. Pat O'Connor is right in his assertions regarding the politics of this issue. The city council behaves arrogantly when it comes to Cardiff affairs because they errantly believe that there are not enough votes in the adjacent areas, or in all of Cardiff for that matter, to cause them electoral problems as a result of these ridiculous actions. If we stick together we can cause them real problems at election time. I personally will be very active after this episode. If they took the millions they have given, and are going to give to their developer/consultant/attorney buddies, and instead paved our ridiculous, Appalachian inspired, dirt alleys, Cardiff would take another step toward being a better place to live. I am ashamed of the comments visitors have made regarding these deplorable sights. This lighted sports park is kind of like building a back yard swimming pool when you don't have an indoor toilet!
The average homeowner in Cardiff would certainly not be in favor of this park expenditure, and most certainly not if they put themselves in the place of the people who will suffer in the neighborhood adjacent to this boondoggle. By the way, I do NOT live in the affected area but DO live in Cardiff.
The point is we have far more pressing basic issues than to be constructing an expensive, lighted, unneccessary sports field. Additionally, it is environmentally obscene and irresponsible to waste this unnecessary power in these days of shortages and carbon fuel waste. It is a shame we ever allowed ourselves be annexed to Encinitas and their corrupt city council members.
Mike Tomillo - Cardiff
P.S. - I WILL be at the 6/24 meeting.
I apologize if you have already looked over these type of websites but just in case you have not, the following is from Lightening Soccer's website about a tournament at Pine Valley Park in Carlsbad (downtown Carlsbad). This doesn't sound like a "community park," event in a residential area but rather a professional money making sport venture involving members and their families for a whopping 300 teams and specifically contemplating out of town attendance. I'd like to know how upkeep and supervision of this park is funded.
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> "WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE 2010 CARLSBAD CUP
> Welcome to the official site of the 2010 Carlsbad Cup, presented by adidas and Eurosport. Carlsbad Lightning Soccer is proud to host the 4th Annual Carlsbad Cup, a Class I Competitive Soccer Tournament for ages U8 to U19. More than 300 teams attended last year’s event and we anticipate a similar field again this year.
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> All fields will be located within 20 minutes of each other in the greater north county area and will include six sites with nine turf fields, more than any other local tournament.
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> For those teams planning to join us from outside the area, Carlsbad is recognized as one of southern California’s most temperate and beautiful coastal towns with access to some of the finest beaches in the state. In addition, you’re only minutes from San Diego attractions such as Legoland, the world famous San Diego Zoo, and Sea World as well as plenty of great shopping at the Carlsbad Outlet Mall and nearby Del Mar and La Jolla. Two world-class resorts, The Four Seasons at Aviara and The La Costa Resort and Spa are also located close to most field sites.
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> Make a great summer vacation out of your Carlsbad stay while your children play in some of the most temperate summer weather in the country!"
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The three councilmen have made a "take no prisoners" policy toward any reasonable public input in the planning of the Sportspark. No deals. Now they ask for Gp amendment, a major stand alone issue, and piggy back amendments and modifications really to keep public input participation out of play.This example of municipal ineptness is funny but when the city planning staff lays down without a peep,all checks and balances are gone.No Zone change upzoning from R to Commercial will not be done without due process, no more sharp practice. Pat O'Connor Cardiff
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