The Cannon property also known as Site #2 on the Housing Map, is located on the corner of Piraeus frontage Road and Plato Street, in Leucadia.

WHY was the history of multiple landslides and erosions on this Cannon property not considered before choosing this site? This property is clearly an unstable choice to build 173 housing units. In researching this site, I found:

The City of Encinitas has official documents on this Cannon property with the findings that this Site #2 is unstable. There are four (4) recorded recent historic landslides: June 13, 2001; August 2, 2001; December 20, 2002, and October 22, 2003.

The first landslide in 2001 caused a public safety concern and closure of this frontage road – Piraeus north – for over two weeks. There were additional concerns over sewer damage and a threat to the I-5 Freeway. The City consulted with their resources in formulating a plan to stabilize the slope and keep it from sliding into the public right of way. This landslide was very costly to the Encinitas taxpayers.

Regarding the City’s proof of recognition that this Cannon property is at risk, I’m quoting the Official Statement of the City of Encinitas:

“There is a risk that after the execution of this agreement, Cannon property will manifest new and continuing damage resulting from slope failure. The slope, location, duration and character of which is not fully known,and/or not fully stabilized....There is a risk that the damage resulting from the slope failure may become more serious, or otherwise increase in magnitude (qualitatively and/or quantitatively). The City shall, and does hereby, recognize those risks...”

The Cannon Family (owners of subject parcel Site #2 ) claimed – quoting legal documentation: “The City left the real property in a condition in which a future landslide is almost certain to occur.”

Another City of Encinitas quote: “The City asserts that the initial land failure in June 2001 involved unimproved public property and was caused by the natural condition of said property. According to the Cannons’ own allegations, the landslide was a reactivation of an ancient landslide. Therefore, the landslide may have been inevitable due to the natural condition of the property.”

This property (6.93 acres) is currently zoned RR-2 (two homes/per acre) and the City of Encinitas wants to put an estimated 173 units on this sensitive inland bluff. This Cannon property Site #2, is unstable and should NOT be available for development, particularly at this high density. No additional density bonus should be considered or allowed to be added to these 173 dwelling units.

Respectfully,

Karen Kaden, 37 year resident

Given as a speech before the Encinitas City Council 8/8/2018.