Escondido Proposes Annexation of Three Parcels in Harmony Grove as Part of the Citracado Parkway Extension

The City of Escondido plans to annex three parcels in Harmony Grove as part of its extension of Citracado Parkway. The parcels are among those recently removed from the Escondido Sphere of Influence (SOI) by unanimous vote of LAFCO at the request of the residents of unincorporated Harmony Grove, Eden Valley, and Elfin Forest. Annexation of this area is to be followed by immediate industrial development (no Prop S vote needed) because the parcels have industrial zoning in the Escondido General Plan.  

Currently, all of Escondido’s alternatives for the proposed extension of Citracado Parkway with either a raised berm or a bridge at the intersection with Harmony Grove Rd./Kauana Loa Dr. require a re-alignment of these existing roads and acquisition of Harmony Grove properties via eminent domain. The re-alignment can be expected to increase traffic, vehicle speeds, noise, and pollution in the area. One of the alternatives favored by local residents is a raised berm with a termination of both road segments at either side. Traffic on Kauana Loa Drive can continue to either County Club Drive to the north or Village Road to the south to access Citracado Parkway. This alternative avoids the need for eminent domain and the expense and adverse environmental impacts of construction of a second bridge and of roadway re-alignment.

These issues are discussed in more detail in the response letter sent by the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council to the Notice of Preparation. Citracado NOP.  The area and the three parcels proposed for annexation are shown on the map of the project area. Click here for detailed map.

We have formed a Citracado Extension/Annexation Committee to follow progress with project and to work with Escondido to ensure the lifestyles of all communities are protected. Committee members are Robbie Benson, Kathy DaSilva, and Frank Twohy, with Mid Hoppenrath as chair. For further information you can contact the Escondido Associate Planner Diana Delgadillo (760-839-4555), or to join us on the Town Council committee, please contact Mid (760-747-1145). Please let us know how you feel about this issue.