By Mario Conde
The Calexico City Council will hold a public hearing this Monday June, 28th to discuss the appeal of the De Las Flores apartment complex that is proposed to be located next to Willie Moreno Jr. High.
The Planning Commission of Calexico denied last week in a 3-2 vote a petition to approve a proposed project to have environmental clearance for construction of a two story, 80 unit apartment complex on 4.2 acres of land generally located west of Eady St. between HWY. 98 and De Las Flores Street. The proposed development consist of eighteen separate building including sixteen two bedroom units, fifty three bedroom units, fourteen four bedroom units, a recreation room, separate laundry facilities, an office and a large green central area with a tot lot.
The commission argued that the development will create a lot of traffic in the area without the long promised widening of Hwy 98 that Caltrans has in as a long term plan. Residents near the area opposed the project since they argued it will diminish their house value and will be a hazard for kids that go to schools near the development. Calexico Police Chief Jim Neujarh also expressed some concern on the traffic impacts for this project and stated his concerns to the planning commission last Monday.
Also, the Calexico Unified School District sent a letter saying the property will be analyzed in the next few months to see if they are going to use it or dispose of it after WLC Architects finishes the master plan. The district superintendent said
At last Tuesday’s City Council meeting Mayor David Ouzan asked for this item to be placed on the Council Agenda to have an appeal on this item and challenge the Planners decision to deny this permit.
“We need construction in the City of Calexico to increase or property taxes. For five years we haven’t had development when it comes to housing and this project will be beneficial for the City of Calexico in the years to come.”Ouzan said.
The City council will meet this Monday June 28, 2010 at 5:00pm to discuss the De Las Flores Apartment complex at the City Council chambers followed by a regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:30pm.
