MOVE Alliance Endorses Mixed-Use Project for SPRINTER Santa Fe Station

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- SAN DIEGO—October 3, 2013—Today, MOVE Alliance announces its endorsement for the planned development of 81 units on Main St. in downtown Vista, Calif along the SPRINTER rail station. The endorsement, given by Move San Diego's coalition of local experts, environmentalists and transportation advocates, is based on the project's proximity to transit, effective parking solutions, mix of residential and retail uses and walkable opportunities.

This endorsement comes with strong recommendations to the City of Vista to approve the project and decrease parking requirements for residential communities located close to transit, currently set at more than two parking spots per unit. By decreasing parking costs for residents, individuals receive greater incentives to choose transit, walking or biking and invest in local businesses.

"New transit-oriented developments are plagued too often by a surplus of parking requirements, which robs communities of sustainable walking and transit opportunities," said Elyse Lowe, executive director of Move San Diego. "The plans near Santa Fe Station is taking full advantage of the transit amenities in the area, including walking distance to a bus, the Vista Transit Center and a SPRINTER station."

"G8 Development is looking forward to enhancing the Vista Village and we are pleased with MOVE Alliance's support," said Philip Chodur, president of G8 Development. "This endorsement recognizes that our plan is moving in the right direction to meet the City of Vista's smart-growth goals."

In addition to walkable access to public transit, the proposed four story mixed-use complex includes street level retail and commercial space, three levels of condominiums, a courtyard for gatherings, expanded sidewalks and underground parking. Alternative parking options include nine electric car charging stations and 13 bike racks.

The MOVE Alliance is an endorsement program that recognizes and promotes smart-growth and transit-oriented development plans. The MOVE Alliance members who served on this panel are Stephen Haase, Cynthia DiSabatino, Kathy Breedlove and Elyse Lowe of Move San Diego; Jim Stone, WalkSanDiego; Kevin Wood, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition; Diego Velasco, NewSchool of Architecture and Design; Tony Pauker, City Ventures; Lisa Leweck Kettler, Leweck Engineering; and Erik Ruehr, VRPA Technologies, Inc. This is the Alliance's fifth project based endorsement, for information on past endorsements visit www.movesandiego.org.

MOVE Alliance partners include Move San Diego, WalkSanDiego, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and the Council of Urban Design Professionals, in addition to local experts on transportation planning and engineering, infill development and land use and environmental planning. To learn more and to download application details, visit www.movesandiego.org.

Move San Diego is the public voice in support of effective and sustainable transportation in the San Diego region. The non-profit organizes and serves a broad collaboration of people and organizations to prioritize, fund, and implement sustainable, healthy, convenient transportation and related land use solutions. Move San Diego raises awareness of the benefits of smart transportation options and how they will result in a more livable and vibrant San Diego. www.movesandiego.org.

Media Contact: Elyse Lowe, Move San Diego, 619-702-4266, [email protected]

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SOURCE Move San Diego