Vista demonstrates against Sunroad Plaza Development July 14, 2020. Vista residents and community groups including South Vista Communities and Vista Climate Action Planners joined the Rush Hour Protest to demonstrate against the Sunroad Plaza Development. The project was approved by the Vista City Council on June 23, 2020 by a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Ritter, Council Member Franklin, and Council Member Green voting to approve the project.
The development, consisting of four (4) drive-thru restaurants, is expected to add more than 10,000 trips per day, impacting the congested corner with more traffic. Neighbors stood in front of the site on Vista Village Drive and Hacienda Drive to express their disapproval for the project with signs that stated “Welcome to Your Traffic Nightmare” and “No to 10,000 more cars daily.” Traffic issues were evident during the demonstration as vehicles blocked the intersection and the pedestrian crosswalk.
The environmental impact of the project was also concerning to residents, as it is expected to produce more than double the allowed greenhouse gas emissions, 2,517 units vs 1,185 units allowed. Katie Melendez, Organizer of the action, shared, “Sunroad will make it harder for people to get to where they need to go and it will pollute our city. We need smart growth in Vista.”
The group plans to continue action against Sunroad Plaza by writing and calling the Vista City Council and urging them to reconsider the project. Residents are asked to write the Vista City Council and express their concerns and may email dcalvo@cityofvista.com and ask the letter be forwarded to the Vista City Council. Protesters are also encouraged to call the Mayor and Council Members who voted yes, and urge them to reconsider the development for a re-vote: Mayor Judy Ritter (760-639-6130), Council Member John Franklin (760-689-2220), Council Member Joe Green (760-639-6130).
