Mater Dolorosa: Was Cameron Thornton Engaging In Mischaracterization?

And one of the things that really got The Thorntonator chafed both red and raw last May was that people were daring to characterize the 50 or so jam packers he hopes to stuff onto the 20 acres peeled off from this at-risk Monastery as being "massive."

I guess in Cameron's mind that claimed 3,800 square foot figure isn't all that massive. Maybe just really big. And certainly bigger than most of the homes in the neighborhoods surrounding the Monastery. But then again, how else is he going to make any of that big money for his partners? Build 2,200 square foot homes?

Nah. You'll never get the kind of jelly rolls Cameron is looking for with boxes that small.

So irate was Mr. Thornton by this "massive" talk that he penned a rather tart press release about just that topic. Here is a screen shot that focuses on the issues we are discussing today.

Whatever.

Recently we received the following blog comment from an individual living down south in beautiful  Escondido. Apparently they are facing a similarly invasive community incursion from New Urban West, and wanted to share their experiences with us. Here is what our new friend said:

I live in a rural community just outside the San Diego City limits. New Urban West wants to build 65 4000+ sq. foot tract homes on 42 acres of polluted farmland right in the middle of our neighborhood. There are calling this new development "Oak Creek". New Urban West is using the same divide and conquer tactics and donating huge sums of money to local politicians to get this through under our noses. Their public outreach is terrible and they pit neighbors against neighbors. Our community has banded together to stop this nonsense. Here is our website. Maybe it will help your community. http://www.escondidoneighbors.org/

I made a screen shot of part of the page on the Escondido Neighbors United website (link) dealing with New Urban West and their so-called "Oak Creek" development. There is some pretty good information to be found there, quite similar to some of the issues that have arisen here. Check it out.

So let's see. The houses at the Escondido project are to be over 4,000 square feet, they'll be "clustered" to maximize density and profitability, and the entire development will be gated. All things that are not supposed to be happening here with the Mater Dolorosa project. Yet they are both the product of the exact same developer.

So why should we believe Cameron Thornton? After all, once that Monastery property is sold he will be out of the picture. New Urban West will be calling the shots.

Tonight's Planning Commission Meeting on One Carter

This is turning out to be a very important, and likely quite interesting, meeting. The party starts at 7PM, and some of our favorite development community personalities are certain to be in attendance. You know them, you love them. Let them see you smile.

Unfortunately for me I have a "back to school night" event to attend and I will not be there. I will be speaking later in the evening to people who did get a chance to watch the meeting, but I could use your input as well. Can I get a witness?

This evening please leave your observations here. Chances are pretty good I will be able to use them for tomorrow's post.

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