The city of Del Mar and the 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA) are still feuding over a proposed affordable housing project at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The 22nd DAA board members recently expressed concerns that the feasibility studies for the project did not adequately analyze the potential impacts on the Fairgrounds’ operations and revenue.

Background on the Dispute

In 2024, the 22nd DAA entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Rights Agreement with Del Mar to study the possibility of building 61 affordable housing units at the Fairgrounds. The studies, funded by Housing Assistance Payments Grants, identified six potential sites for the project based on factors such as water and sewer analysis, sea level rise concerns, and other criteria established by the Fairgrounds.

However, some board members felt that the studies did not go far enough in assessing the potential effects on the Fairgrounds’ operations, including entrance and exit routes, emergency evacuation areas, and revenue. Fairgrounds CEO Becky Bartling noted that while the HAP Grant’s scope of work did not include operational studies, Fairgrounds staff conducted their own analysis, which revealed significant potential impacts.

Board Member Mark Arabo insisted that a full operational study should have been done, calling the lack of one ‘total negligence.’ He recommended that such a study be completed as part of the exclusive agreement. Other board members also requested more information about the sites in relation to state housing laws.

Del Mar Mayor Tracy Martinez responded to the concerns in a letter, suggesting that the 22nd DAA and the city hold a joint public workshop to bring transparency and accuracy to the discussion. This is not the first time the agreement has been on the brink of falling apart, with previous disagreements over issues like an underground train tunnel route and support for an initiative to change the California constitution.

Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.