8:25 P.M.JAN. 30, 2013
CARLSBAD — A small condominium project to be built on State Street in the Village area received big praise Wednesday from the Carlsbad Planning Commission.
The Railyard Lofts building was one of four projects the commission unanimously approved at its meeting, including an extensive renovation of the south golf course at La Costa Resort and Spa.
The three-story, four-unit, residential condo building proposed for a small lot at 2685 State St., near the Coaster Station, will include a hydraulic lift so that two cars can be parked in one of its seven covered parking spaces.
Planners say it’s the type of development needed to make the Village a livelier, more interesting neighborhood where people will live as well as work.
“It really took a lot of work to make everything fit,” said Planning Commissioner Neil Black, adding that he admired the design.
Several commissioners said the high-end condos will be good for the north blocks of State Street, an area dominated by businesses such as exercise studios, antique shops and car repair and plumbing shops.
“I’m hoping it will jump-start the area,” said Commissioner Victoria Scully. “It really is an amazing-looking building.”
Commissioner Thomas Arnold said, “This project is made-to-order for what we want our village to become.”
The four condos in the building range from 1,926 square feet to 2,688 square feet, according to the plans presented to the commission. The largest unit is on the top level.
Mark Benjamin is listed as the owner and developer of the property.
The golf course improvements were discussed briefly.
Doug Yavanian of the La Costa Resort told the commission the renovation should begin May 1 and be completed by Nov. 1.
“There are really two goals to this project,” Yavanian said.
One is to complete some much-needed deferred maintenance, he said, and the other is to create “a better golfing experience.”
The renovation will include moving some of the tees, enlarging the greens and removing some of the bunkers.
“For us average golfers, it’s been a very difficult challenge out there,” he said.
He said that, contrary to an earlier report, all the details of the project have been worked out except a few things such as who the contractor will be and what type of turf will be used.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the commission approved an extension of the site development plan for the Kelly Corporate Center on Palomar Airport Road and permits for major repairs to the North Batiquitos sewer lift station. Both those items were approved on a single unanimous vote without comment.
