Citizens and merchants living and doing business in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and Capistrano Beach, California communities have been fighting off Home Depot since 1998 (search this data base by the city’s name). Here’s our latest update from local residents: “Our common bond is that we are opposed to the City of San Juan Capistrano’s proposal that would allow development of a retail center on the vacant Lower Rosan property just off of Stonehill near Camino Capistrano. This proposed development would include a 26,000 square foot retail store and a 130,000 square foot HOME DEPOT store. It is our opinion that a large retail development at this location will create quality of life conditions that will be extremely difficult, if not impossible to mitigate including: air, light, noise and water pollution, as well as increased traffic congestion. Additionally, we are concerned that a negative economic impact may be experienced by our many local merchants should this development be allowed to proceed. The ripple effect of this loss of local businesses will not only affect the character of the City of San Juan Capistrano, but also in the loss of the untold positive contributions these citizens and merchants make in our communities. Over 1800-registered voters have signed petitions strongly urging our elected officials to oppose the construction of a HOME DEPOT retail center on the Lower Rosan property, and as of March 14, 2002, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council’s rejection of the required environmental studies. The City of San Juan Capistrano Community Redevelopment Agency initiated the eminent domain power and acquired the Rosan Ranch property in February, 1988 to be used “for a variety of public purposes…In an independent study conducted at request of the City Council on May 15, 2001, a telephone survey of 500-registered voters in SJC found that “overwhelming majorities believe that we should invest in preserving the historical feel of the city, and caution that over-development of SJC natural areas will diminish the local economy and quality of life”. Of primary concern as the most serious problems in SJC were: too much commercial development, uncontrolled growth and development, local traffic and congestion, and pollution of the coastline and beaches.”
For more information on the stop Home Depot marathon in SJC, contact www.nohomedepot.com, or [email protected]
