Townhome complex approved for former Oceanside elementary school site

A plan to build 140 townhomes in 22 three-story buildings on the former Garrison Elementary School campus received unanimous approval Wednesday from the Oceanside City Council.

The townhomes will range from 1,320 square feet to 2,100 square feet with two, three or four bedrooms in seven different floor plans, according to a city report. Each unit will have a deck or balcony and a two-car garage, and the complex will have 38 guest parking spaces distributed among the buildings.

Near its entrance the development will include a 10,900-square-foot “pocket park” open to the public and privately maintained by the homeowners association.

“We specialize in infill, medium density, attainable housing, primarily for sale,” said Gordon Jones, regional vice president for The True Life Companies, the developer.

The 8.3-acre former campus on Garrison Street is in the Loma Alta neighborhood, north of Oceanside Boulevard and west of El Camino Real. The access along Garrison from Oceanside Boulevard is lined with apartment buildings and a few commercial activities.

“This is an absolutely terrific transitional use from the nearby apartments,” Jones said, adding that it would create home-buying opportunities for residents who otherwise would be renting.

The complex will include 14 townhomes, or 10% of the total, reserved for sale to buyers who quality as moderate income based on San Diego County guidelines.

The developer also will contribute an...