DEL MAR, Calif. — The organization that oversees the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Monday formalized its opposition to a proposal to build a rail tunnel beneath the fairgrounds, saying the plan could end a proposal to build affordable housing on the property.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the 22nd District Agricultural Association board voted unanimously to oppose a potential tunnel route that would include part of the grounds. That route, known as Alternative A, is one of three potential routes for the tunnel that would replace the current Surf Line route along the Del Mar bluffs. The San Diego Association of Governments has begun planning to replace the existing route with a tunnel because of erosion along the bluffs; most Del Mar residents have preferred the Alternative A route because much of it would follow Interstate 5, while alternatives B and C would involve more tunneling under Del Mar homes [see “Planning agency narrows potential routes for Del Mar rail tunnel,” Trains News Wire, June 5, 2024].
The Alternative A route, however, would also be the longest and most expensive, and had been ruled out by SANDAG previously.
The Union-Tribune reports the tunnel construction would include cut-and-cover work through part of the fairgrounds, after which a bored tunnel would begin. Fairgrounds CEO Carlene More says the construction could force suspension of the annual San Diego County Fair and horse racing at the fairgrounds’ track for up to 10 years, threatening the local economy and the survival of the district. It also would end a proposal to build affordable housing for the city, mandated by the state, on fairgrounds land, since fairgrounds officials say there would not be room for both the housing and the tunnel.
The three alternatives are part of the notice preceding preparation of an environmental impact report for the tunnel project. The comment period for the proposal ends this Friday; more details are available here.
