Windsor Pointe recommendations approved by Carlsbad
A lengthy City Council meeting ends with the council taking a step forward in addressing concerns about the problematic development. (Read Part 1 and Part 2)
Note: This is the final part in a series regarding Windsor Pointe in Carlsbad. Read Part 1 and Part 2.
CARLSBAD — A tense City Council discussion regarding the controversial Windsor Pointe development ran for more than three hours in a packed house at City Hall.
On Tuesday, the City Council approved amending the management plan with Affirmed Housing to include a stronger guest policy and 24-hour monitored security. The amended plan will return to the council on April 9 for a progress check and Mayor Keith Blackburn also requested a full report four months after, along with a motion approving the city’s legislative subcommittee to be “aggressive” with issues brought forward by residents.
Residents who live near the development, though, were angry, confused and at a loss after the council’s decision. Dozens spoke out against the development; the developer and service providers, citing many concerns with tenants and have done so for nearly two years and are calling for the project to be shut down or moved out of the Barrio.
The city owns the land and holds the lease while Affirmed Housing owns the two buildings — one on Oak Avenue and one on Harding Street.
Still, city officials said there is little they can do, although City Attorney Cindie McMahon said if the city can review the terms of the lease to determine if violations have occurred to begin the termination process. She also clarified the challenges around any removal of the No Place Like Home facility.
McMahon said the city will retain outside counsel for matters related to Windsor Pointe, although could not disclose more as the issue was discussed during a closed session with the council.
“Nothing authorized by statute (state law) can be declared a nuisance,” McMahon added. “It prohibits a city from eliminating No Place Like Home without the county’s consent. Targeting a project with tenants with disabilities would violate Fair Housing laws and their civil rights. No Place Like Home is for 55 years and applies regardless of who owns the property.”
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to North County Pipeline to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.