Lagoon Development Thwarted by Voters

CARLSBAD, CA—The developer behind the proposed retail and dining center project along the shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon may be headed back to the drawing board after an election defeat.

A proposed development at Agua Hedionda Lagoon has been voted down.

The development planned by Los Angeles-based Caruso Affiliated was opposed by environmental groups and mall operator Westfield which until recently was the owner of a shopping center near Carlsbad’s northern city limits. The “no” votes from Tuesday’s special election totaled 20,392, or 51.99%, compared with a “yes” vote of 18,806, or 48.01%. Caruso wanted to build on 15% of the 203-acre property and leave the remainder as open space. The plans were approved last year by the Carlsbad City Council , but opponents — concerned about the size of the proposed buildings and worsening traffic congestion — collected enough petition signatures to force it to a public vote. Click Fox San Diego to read the full story.