Notes submitted by Bobbie Mills.
Gumaro Escarcega, MainStreet Oceanside CEO, welcomed everyone to the April meeting and encouraged the audience to pick up the latest issue of the Discover Downtown magazine.
Daniel Bertao, Vice President of Development at Ryan Companies, said the company’s relationship with MainStreet and the City of Oceanside dates back several years to the development of the Springhill Suites and the Pierside North and South Apartments projects. Ryan Companies is a real-estate solution provider.
Bertao shared the company’s plans for Blocks 5 and 20, the remaining blocks in the Nine Block Master Plan to be developed as part of the mixed-use component to bring more residents to downtown. The two blocks are situated between Myers Street and the train tracks in Downtown Oceanside and straddle the west side of the pedestrian underpass on Pier View Way.
Block 5 will be an 8-story building with 1500 square feet of commercial space at ground level and 193 residential long-term rental units with 10% designated for affordable housing.
Block 20 will be seven stories with 2600 square feet of commercial space at ground level and 180 residential long-term rental units with 10% designated for affordable housing.
Commercial space will be concentrated on the corners of Myers Street and Pier View Way to slow the pedestrian traffic coming out of the underpass.
Bertao addressed the questions and concerns of the audience including pet-friendly units, charging stations, bicycling lifestyle, energy efficiency/solar capture, and inviting landscape or green space, all of which he said would be considered during planning and available to residents in some capacity after development completion.
Several in the audience expressed concern that the existing public parking would not be replaced. The existing public parking has been leased by the City of Oceanside. There will be secured parking for residents, some visitor parking, and some public parking for those using the commercial spaces at the new development. The audience was reminded of the SALT Apartments public parking garage (300-plus pay-for spaces), which is rarely full, and the Oceanside Transit Center Parking Structure (300-plus public free spaces). There is also plenty of parking along the train tracks.
Another concern was the timing of the development, whether the construction would coincide with other upcoming development projects in Downtown Oceanside, and how the impacts on businesses would be addressed. Bertao responded that Ryan Companies would communicate regularly to the public during construction. Escarcega added that MainStreet Oceanside is planning strategic communications for the downtown district businesses and the public during construction.
In closing, Bertao invited the audience to attend the Community Meeting for public input at Springhill Suites on April 9 beginning at 6 p.m. If unable to attend community meetings, the public is encouraged to email questions, concerns, and other input to blocks520@ryancompanies.com.
Escarcega showed slides of the final three mural concepts for public art currently in the voting process for the Oceanside Transit Center Parking Structure located at Seagaze Drive and Cleveland Street. MSO will hold a small mixer on the rooftop at Pierside South Apartments on April 13 from 3-5 p.m. where attendees can mingle with the three artists and learn more about their other work and mural concept for the parking structure wall. The winning concept will be announced at the Oceanside CA Cultural District’s “O’Arts Creative Community Impact” event on May 3.
Escarcega said MSO is also partnering with the North County Transit District for a public art project in the pedestrian underpass at the NCTD transit center. More details will be announced soon.
Around the Room Announcements:
John Daley announced during introductions that last week Oceanside was reported as the 50th (out of 19,000) Healthiest City in the Nation!
Jerry Rugg encouraged the audience members to visit the Oceanside Museum of Art to view the “Coastal Exposures: 10 Years of Photography at The Osider Magazine” exhibit of original photos. OMA is currently also displaying photos by the Oceanside High School photography club. He reminded the audience that the first Sunday is free at OMA.
Rob Howard announced the 420 Remix event will be at John Landes Park on April 20 from 1-4 p.m. with food, music, and activities.
Leslee Gaul of Visit Oceanside said Ironman is this weekend, April 4-7, in Oceanside. About 3,000 athletes are expected and most will be traveling with their families. She encouraged businesses in Oceanside to be prepared and welcoming.
Steve Burrell announced the AARP California Age-Friendly Expo focused on improving quality of life will be at the Mission Pacific Beach Resort Hotel on April 25 from 4-6 p.m.
Jane Marshall, a volunteer for MSO, reported that MainStreet will have an ambassador booth at Ironman to help direct participants and guests to local eats, shops, and things to do while in Oceanside.
Moss Rosen announced his group, Oceanside Dog Beach, is working on a petition to get on the November ballot. Volunteers are welcome to help distribute posters.
Diane Record, Career Advisor at Goodwill Employment Center, announced that Goodwill purchased an RV and converted it into a mobile homeless center. They will be “hitting the road in May” to attend events and provide job searching and job readiness services, including resume building and mock interviews, inside the RV.
Laura Bassett, city council candidate for Oceanside District 3, announced Operation Appreciation will be at the Pier on May 18.
Larry Brian invited the audience to Kiwanis Club meetings held at the Broken Yolk Cafe every Wednesday morning beginning at 7 a.m.
Councilmember Eric Joyce announced the City’s budget hearing will be at 5 p.m. on April 17, and the short-term rentals in the coastal zone will return to the council on April 24.
Escarcega reminded the audience to get their tickets for Taste of Spring, also on April 20, to enjoy around 33 food and beverage tastings Downtown. He reported the Oceanside Independence Parade on June 29 will carry the theme of “Celebrating Our Heritage.” The community will again nominate three Hometown Heroes.
Coffee provided by Pier View Coffee
The MainStreet Morning Meeting is held on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
We welcome all parties interested in the progress of Downtown Oceanside, including businesspeople, residents, and City staff.
This informative one-hour meeting is held in an informal discussion format. The general public is always welcome! Come meet your city officials, MainStreet Oceanside staff and members and find out about upcoming events and changes to YOUR downtown and city.
The MainStreet Morning Meeting is held at the MainStreet Oceanside meeting room at 701 Mission Avenue. Call our office for more information or directions at (760) 754-4512.
