The proposed expansion of the Del Mar Gate is getting a yellow light from the Amenity Authority Committee.
The AAC had seemed ready to move ahead with the more than $100,000 gate expansion, but concerns raised Wednesday indicate the project will at least be temporarily put on hold.
AAC member John Wilcox seemed hesitant about spending the money where there might be another way to speed up traffic through the busy gate near Spanish Springs Town Square.
“There is a solution by using Community Watch,” Wilcox said.
But the gate expansion in which a lane would be added at the entrance, won’t solve the problem of exiting traffic which is also backing up at the gate, Wilcox added.
The price tag with landscaping, gate arm, engineering and camera would be more than $100,000.
AAC member Don Deakin said he shared Wilcox’s concerns about the gate.
“We need to try and identify all of the issues before we spend $100,000,” Deakin said.
A resident who lives near the gate, said the traffic isn’t going away.
“The problem with Spanish Springs is that there are 11 restaurants in Spanish Springs. We also have MVP. We also now have the Sharon Morse entertainment center. We are a very busy place,” said Judy Glasel of Chula Vista Villas.
AAC Chairwoman Ann Forrester said she has talked to many people who are “excited” about expanding the Del Mar Gate.
District Manager Janet Tutt indicated she would talk to Community Watch about additional staffing at the gate for three months. During that time, feedback from residents using the gate would be useful for determining a path forward.
She also indicated that District Property Management would look at the plat to see about possible expansion for the exit.