![]() ![]() “I think this is a game changer for downtown,” Masson said. In addition, they said, it would introduce hundreds of new customers to downtown stores and businesses, revitalizing the struggling commercial stretch of Grand Avenue. Morasco and Masson argued that the city is obligated by state law to produce more housing units, and said the project would help fill those needs. ![]() This particular property, city-owned and public-owned, deserves a higher level of scrutiny.” ![]() “Although I don’t dislike the design, I do dislike the design for that area, because it’s out of phase with how this area looks and feels. “I cannot support this project as it is,” Diaz said. Councilmen John Masson and Michael Morasco supported it, saying it epitomizes “Smart Growth,” and would enliven downtown Escondido, while meeting regional housing needs. In a 3-2 vote, McNamara and Councilwomen Olga Diaz and Consuelo Martinez opposed the project, voicing concerns about the location and scale of the project, parking considerations and the sale of city property. “I didn’t think it was going to go this way. “I’m super excited,” said Diana Gill, a manager at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, which has opposed the project because of the anticipated loss of parking spaces. Residents who spoke against the project Wednesday said they had also assumed the council would approve the project, and were surprised and elated by the decision. ![]()
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