Escondido council approves luxury downtown development

The Escondido City Council voted 4-1 Wednesday to approve an ordinance and resolution allowing construction of a five-story luxury apartment in downtown Escondido.

The 128-unit construction – dubbed The Maple – is being planned for a one-acre parcel across from City Hall that is now a city-owned parking lot.

Councilmember Consuelo Martinez voted against the item, saying she doesn’t think the high-cost housing is the right fit for the city, particularly because there’s no affordable housing included.

“We do need housing, but I’m not sold on the argument that all housing is appropriate housing,” she said. “I want housing for people who live in Escondido who are waiting to be housed.”

The other council members supported the development.

Judy Fitzgerald said she thinks the housing will be a boon for local businesses.

“I think it’s a perfect fit,” she said. “We’re not ignoring that we need affordable housing, but we also need this, so I’m happy to support this.”

Mayor Dane White said he thinks the property tax the development brings in will be good for the city as well.

Before the vote, six residents spoke out against the project and two voiced support. Those opposed to the development said they were primarily concerned with reduced parking in the area.

“There’s plenty of business in downtown, and we do very, very well here,” David Rodger, with Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, told the council. “It’s time that you guys start...