Frequently Asked Questions
Project Details
What services would the care facility provide?
The facility will provide assisted living and memory care services. It will not provide medical care and is not a skilled nursing facility. Services would include memory care, housekeeping, meals, laundry, transportation, entertainment and other non-medical assistance, such as medicine management and other services to support daily living.
What will this project do for the neighborhood?
The project is planned for vacant property adjacent to northbound Interstate 5. An assisted-living facility would provide compatible and logical transition among the neighboring buildings.
It would also provide a valuable noise buffer between existing homes and the freeway. The roof would block noise and sightlines to the freeway but would not obstruct horizon views.
As an added benefit, and to preserve the rural character of the neighborhood, site plans call for setting aside the Marine View Avenue frontage as open space.
The project would be designed to blend with nearby properties. It would not create a substantial traffic increase as most of residents don't drive, but would provide street improvements along the project frontage, including public pathway along Marine View Avenue.
What will it look like?
Current plans call for a two-story building of craftsman styling -- clad in shingles and supported by heavy timbers – that runs parallel to the freeway. A terraced roofline would cap a well-articulated façade. The service bay and parking garage entrance would be located on the west side of the building and out of view from neighboring homes.
Inside the building, individual rooms will contain one or two beds and be furnished with convenience features such as sink, small refrigerator and microwave oven to complement the full-service kitchen, cafe and common dining rooms where meal service would be provided.
Will this facility serve only seniors?
The majority of residents will be seniors, but the facility will also serve adults who need memory care or assistance with daily living, such as injured military veterans
Why is good site assisted-living facility?
With our City's aging population, the demand for quality residential care facilities is only going to grow. Residents of Solana Beach want the opportunity, for themselves and their loved ones, to remain in their community after they can no longer live independently.
The Genevieve Street site provides adequate space and is near shopping, medical offices and other services. The property adjoins a mix of residential, office and business uses. It is also one of few, if not the only, piece of vacant property in Solana Beach that meets the size requirements for a project of this type.
Because of its proximity to the freeway and a large office building, the property is less attractive for single family homes, which could explain why it has sat vacant for so many years.
What kind of environmental review is required?
An Environmental Impact Report is being prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and City of Solana Beach regulations. This has included opportunities for public input. A vote of the City Council is required to certify the EIR. A copy of the draft EIR will soon be published by the City of Solana Beach.
Who is developing the project?
Experienced local developer John DeWald is managing the development of this project.
How can I provide input?
During the initiative process and after the vote, the public can provide input at neighborhood meetings, public hearings and in writing. Sign up for e-mail alerts at info@solanabeachseniorcare.com.
How can I get involved?
Register your e-mail address at info@solanabeachseniorcare.com to be notified of public workshops, open houses and City meetings. Attend those meetings and provide input. Stay in touch!
Specific Plan & Inititiative
What is being proposed and where?
Developers are planning to bring new senior care facility to Solana Beach. Voters are being asked to approve Specific Plan that envisions an up to 99-bed assisted living facility on vacant, 2.91-acre lot immediately east of Interstate 5 at 959 Genevieve Street.
The Specific Plan will be voted upon during special election paid, for developer, in Spring of 2019.
If initiative passes, plans for project would the subject to public approval process that includes hearings before the Solana Beach View Assessment Committee, the Solana Beach City Council and the California Coastal Commission. The project is subject to Environmental Impact Report draft will soon published by City of Solana Beach.
What is an assisted-living facility?
An assisted living facility provides 24-hour non-medical care of persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual.
Quality senior living communities offer recreation and enrichment programs in addition to assisted-living and memory care services.
Why does Solana Beach need assisted-living facility?
Solana Beach is home to aging population. A San Diego Association of Governments report shows that from 2020 to 2035, the number of Solana Beach residents who are 70 or older will climb from nearly 2,200 to 3,500. During that same time period, the number of residents who are 80 or older will nearly double, from 660 to 1,271. That's a 93 percent increase.
Our seniors deserve the option to stay in their community if they need assisted living. Similarly, residents with aging parents should be able to find quality lodgings and care for them right in Solana Beach.
Today, a single, 105-bed assisted-living community is open in Solana Beach. The facility generally is filled to capacity with a waiting list. It also provides no specialized housing for residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.
Another complication is the lack of open land in Solana Beach to build a quality assisted-living project to meet the community's need.
Why is project subject to initiative and special election?
An initiative and special election for new senior care facility are required by process set by Proposition T, passed in Solana Beach in 2000, which requires that voters approve changes to city's general plan. The initiative process enables voters to approve the proposed land-use for a senior care facility, and its package of accompanying guidelines and development standards.
Under Proposition T, registered voters in Solana Beach assume direct role in approving rules and restrictions for land-use on Genevieve property.
If initiative passes, plans for project would the subject to public approval process that includes hearings before the Solana Beach View Assessment Committee, the Solana Beach City Council and the California Coastal Commission. The project is subject to Environmental Impact Report.
Who pays for special election?
The project developer pays for special election. Neither Solana Beach voters, taxpayers, nor the City of Solana Beach pays for a special election of this kind.
How can I support this initiative?
When you receives ballot in mid-April, vote in favor of measure. If measure passes, the seniors care facility, will still require of approvals the City Council and the California Coastal Commission. Your vote in favor enables the project to considered by the City Council. A vote against kills the possibility of development senior center this location. Solana Beach seniors and families are counting on support.
When will the vote take place?
Registered voters will receives ballot in mid-April.
