UPDATE: Oceanside officials have just approved the final pieces of a significant 25-year-old downtown master plan, setting the stage for a revitalized urban landscape. In a 3-2 vote on Wednesday, the city council greenlit the construction of two towering buildings on Blocks 5 and 20, with plans to enhance ocean views along Pier View Way.
Developer Daniel Bertao of Ryan Companies confirmed that adjustments will maintain a distance of about 106 feet between the upper floors of the new eight- and seven-story structures. This decision aims to preserve scenic vistas as residents and visitors approach the coastline, emphasizing the city’s commitment to keeping view corridors accessible.
Mayor Esther Sanchez and Councilmember Eric Joyce opposed the approval, advocating for additional time to discuss spacing and the developer’s plans for a public plaza on Myers Street. “This is the jewel of our city… where people feel most connected to the ocean,” Joyce stated, highlighting the project’s emotional resonance with the community.
The approved development will include 370 apartments—offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units—alongside six live-work condominiums. Notably, 10% of these apartments will be reserved as affordable housing. Ground-level commercial space will span over 17,000 square feet, aimed at attracting local businesses and enhancing the downtown environment.
Concerns from residents were voiced during the meeting, particularly regarding potential traffic increases and the loss of public parking. One resident questioned the necessity of an eight-story building, which will become the tallest structure in downtown Oceanside, surpassing the 17-story Marina Towers built in the 1970s.
The construction is set to significantly reshape the area, which previously struggled with unsavory businesses catering to young enlisted Marines. Longtime resident Paul Dooley reflected on the positive transformation, recalling the previous state of downtown before the master plan’s inception.
A critical condition of the approval mandates ongoing collaboration between the developers and residents to enhance the Myers Street plaza. About a dozen residents spoke at the council meeting, with most supporting the development while calling for further improvements.
In addition to residential space, the project will feature a three-level parking garage for each building, with two levels underground. Each studio or one-bedroom apartment will include one parking space, while two-bedroom units will have 1.5 spaces. Notably, parking for restaurant and retail uses will also be accommodated within the structure.
Moreover, the project will involve the excavation of approximately 25,000 cubic yards of sand for building foundations, which could potentially be used to replenish eroded beaches in the city, pending quality tests.
The approval marks a pivotal moment for Oceanside, as the city looks to fulfill the long-held dreams of its residents for a vibrant downtown area. As construction begins, community members and stakeholders are eager to witness the transformation of this historic plan into a thriving urban center.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
