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Home My WebLink About2023-04-20; Update on Legoland Conceptual/Proposed Projects (District 2); Murphy, JeffTo the members of the: CITY COUNCIL Date ~ I 21112-3 CA / CC / CM ✓f2M" v1JCM {3)/ Council Memorandum April 20, 2023 To: From: Via: Re: Honorable Mayor Blackburn and Members of the City Council Jeff Murphy, Community Development Director Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, C~unity Services Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager (§5., Update on Legoland Conceptual/Proposed Projects (District 2) {city of Carlsbad Memo ID# 2023033 This memorandum provides an overview of the various projects currently being considered and proposed at the Legoland Theme Park. Background In June 1994, an advisory measure was placed on the ballot asking City of Carlsbad residents if the city should consider approving a "Lego Family Park within the Carlsbad Ranch Project," which would be located North of Palomar Airport Road, between Armada Drive and The Crossings Drive (Attachment A). The measure passed with a vote of 57% to 43%. Following the advisory measure, the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan, which includes the Carlsbad Outlets, Flower Fields, the Sheraton Carlsbad Spa & Resort, Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Tapestry (Hilton), and Westin Carlsbad Spa & Resort on Grand Pacific Drive was amended and an Environmental Impact Report was completed to allow for the construction of the 128-acre amusement park. Since the Legoland Theme Park opened in 1999, various rides and improvements have been made subject to the permits required by the Specific Plan or amendments to it. Today, the Legoland Theme Park is a mix of amusement park attractions and rides, two hotels offering 500 units, surface parking, parking garage, and accessory office and maintenance buildings. Over the past 18 to 24 months, Legoland Theme Park Company representatives and consultants have met with the Community Development Department to discuss various opportunities for park expansion and the associated required permitting processes. Discussion To date, there are four separate projects currently proposed and in review for the Legoland Theme Park, which are summarized below. Community Services Branch Community Development Department 1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 442-339-4600 t Council Memo -Update on Legoland Conceptual/Proposed Projects (District 2) April 20, 2023 Page 2 • Comprehensive Specific Plan Amendment -Future Park Expansion On January 28, 2021, Legoland submitted a proposal to amend the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan to allow, among other things, the construction of the following: o Change the focus of Legoland from "children in the age group 2 through 13 and their families" to "families and individuals of all ages" o Remove the prohibition on "high speed thrill rides" within the park o Modification of current height standards to allow for increased height limits for hotels and amusement rides; the exact height limit is currently being discussed o Addition of "Amusement Park Rides," "Water Park," "Aquarium," and "Campgrounds" as allowed uses o Reduction of setbacks along Palomar Airport Road, addition of a visual buffer requirement for any structures located within visual corridors It is our understanding that these amendments are being done not only to accommodate high speed thrill rides within the existing park, but to also allow for additional flexibility and construction of a new "Pep pa Pig" section of the amusement park in the current parking lot area along Palomar Airport Road . The first application submittal did not have a lot of detail in how the plan would be amended to accommodate the proposed uses; therefore, staff provided a letter on February 25, 2021, requesting additional detail and clarification. A second submission was received on September 8, 2021. While the submittal provided more information on proposed structure heights, it still lacked specific details on intensity of uses proposed and what areas of the park would be developed with those uses. This information is needed to begin environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. Therefore, a second comment letter was provided on October 26, 2021. To date, no further submittals have been filed with the department regarding this application. There have been several meetings with Legoland representatives in the Summer and Fall 2022 to discuss various concepts and proposals and provide feedback on some project components. Our understanding is that Legoland is working on preparing a new application package that will include requested project detail and preliminary environmental evaluation. It is also our understanding that the intent of Legoland is to retain the park as a "family park" as outlined in the ballot measure. Once a new application is submitted, staff will review the proposal against the ballot measure, relevant city codes and standards including the specific plan and community expectations, in light of the advisory vote, and come up with an updated permit processing schedule based on the scope of the changes, environmental impacts, and quality of the application. It is likely that there will be additional review cycles; assuming a complete application, staff estimates that the Council Memo -Update on Legoland Conceptual/Proposed Projects (District 2) April 20, 2023 Page 3 entitlement process will take 12 to 18 months. Once the City Council takes action on the application, the project will require review and approval by the Coastal Commission since the site is located within the coastal zone. Based on prior experience, Coastal Commission staff may take upwards of 18 months to act on the application following the city's decision. • Construction of a Parking Structure While the comprehensive specific plan is a long-term vision, Legoland proposes in the short term to develop a 1,130-space, four-story parking structure in the existing surface parking lot near the northwest corner of Palomar Airport Road and The Crossings Drive. This parking structure is allowed under the current Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan, with an approved Site Development Plan and Coastal Development Permit. The initial application submittal was filed on January 5, 2022, and since then the applicant has been working with staff to address city requirements and prepare needed environmental documentation. Staff estimates that the project will be ready for Planning Commission consideration in late summer/early fall of 2023. To minimize delays at the construction phase, a building permit application is being processed concurrently with the discretionary permit applications (Site Development Plan and Coastal Development Permit). The building permit cannot be issued until the discretionary permits are approved. • New Enclosed Ride At the end of March 2023, Legoland submitted a proposal for a new roller coaster style attraction. The major components of the proposed project are an indoor roller coaster, secondary exterior ride, and toddler play area. The roller coaster will be entirely enclosed in a new single story, 32,197 square-foot, 44-foot-high pre-manufactured steel building. The secondary exterior ride will be approximately 2,646 square-feet in area plus a shaded outdoor queue and 245 square-foot operator booth/mechanical building. The toddler play area will use approximately 2,735 square-foot of outdoor area. The entire development site is approximately 1.95 acres in size with a generally flat topography. With this application, Legoland is requesting approval of increased building height for 45 feet maximum with allowed architectural protrusions to a maximum height of 55 feet. With an approved Site Development Plan and Coastal Development Permit, this proposed ride is permitted under the present Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan. However, due to the requested height protrusions above 45 feet, the permit applications will be reviewed and decided upon by the City Council. Consistent with current practice, the Community Development Department's comment letter will include a schedule that identifies target resubmittal dates and anticipated decision date. However, Lego land hopes to have this ride operational by Summer 2025. Council Memo -Update on Legoland Conceptual/Proposed Projects (District 2) April 20, 2023 Page 4 • Minor Projects Two minor renovation projects are also being processed, all of which are allowed under the current Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan. o Proposed renovation of the existing "Funtown Stage," including new sunshades, a 56-square-foot press box, and 204-square-foot green room, is currently in review. The improvements require approval of a Minor Site Development Plan and Minor Coastal Development Permits that are approved administratively through the City Planner, with an anticipated decision date of May 2023. o A new 1,736-square-foot "Garden Restroom" was submitted in January 2023 and includes the demolition of existing restroom building, and construction of new structure containing men's and women's facilities, two family restrooms with changing areas, janitorial room, and covered exterior sink area. The improvements require approval of a Minor Site Development Plan and Minor Coastal Development Permits that are approved administratively through the City Planner, with an anticipated decision date later this summer 2023. Legoland has also inquired about prospective use of the vacant 25-acre property currently owned by the Charles Company located at the southeast corner of Legoland Drive and Cannon Drive, immediately north of the amusement park. No formal proposal has been submitted and the discussions have focused largely on current zoning and other land development requirements. Next Steps Any proposals will be evaluated under city regulations and California environmental laws. Community Development staff meet with Legoland representatives every other week to check in on project status and facilitate moving the above mentioned projects to the applicable decision- maker. Attachment: A. San Diego County Ballot Measure dated June 7, 1994 cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager Cindie McMahon, City Attorney Mike Strong, Assistant Community Development Director Eric Lardy, City Planner Cliff Jones, Principal Planner PRIMARY ELECTION· JUNE 7, 1994 -SAN DIEGO COUNTY NONPARTISAN • OFFICIAL BALLOT COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO · ADVISORY VOTE ONLY p R Q p A Toe people of San Diego do hereby reaffirm their strong support for the continued presence of the U.S. military in the San Diego region, however, H the U.S. government decides to make NAS Mira- mar available for civilian airport use, then should all government officials 264 cooperate to make every effort to relocate Charles A. Lindbergh lntema-265 tional Airport to Miramar? CITY OF CARLSBAD ADVISORY VOTE ONLY p R Q p D Shall the City of Carlsbad consider approving a Lego Family Park within the Carlsbad Ranch Project located east of Interstate 5, north of Palomar Airport Road, and soulh of Cannon · Road, provided that the project shall fully comply with the City's Growth 270 Management Plan, and all land use processing and environmental review 271 requirements? N-11-4 Attachment A N SD 017-008 CITY OF CARLSBAD Proposition D (This proposition will appear on the ballot in the following form.) ADVISORY VOTE ONLY PR Q P D Shall the City of Carlsbad consider approving a Lego Family Park within the Carlsbad Ranch Project located east of Interstate 5, north of Palomar Airport Road, and south at Cannon Road, provided that the project shall fully comply with the City's Growth Management Plan, and all land use processing and environmental review requirements? CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS THE WAY IT IS NOW: Existing law requires numerous approvals for the eventual development of the Lego Family Park. It is anticipated at a minimum this proposal would require a general plan and local coastal plan amendment, specific plan amendment, rezoning, tentative map, hillside development permit, local facilities management plan amendments, cancellation of an agricultural preserve contract and an environmental impact report. These permits would require public hearings. A coastal development permit would also be required from the California Coastal Commission. The proposed site Is currently designated and zoned for Commercial, Office and Industrial and Open Space agricultural uses. There presently is an approved development project on the site entitled "The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan" approved March 16, 1993, and on file in the City Clerk's office and Planning Department. No development may be approved on this site unless it has all the necessary public facilities available or guaranteed to be available prior to construction under the City's Growth Management Plan and by Proposition E which was approved by the voters In 1986. These plans do not permit development at this site unless the necessary public facilities are provided concurrent with their need with an emphasis on ensuring good traffic circulation, schools, parks, libraries, open space and recreational amenities. THE PROPOSAL: Although a formal application has not been submitted to the City at this time, it is anticipated that an amendment to the existing Specific Plan will be submitted to Include a family-oriented theme park consisting of exhibits and attractions made primarily from interlocking plastic blocks, entertainment and dining, retail uses, rides catering to children of ages 2 through 13, and educational workshop areas on approximately 125 acres In the general location as shown on the location map. This measure Is· an advisory measure as authorized by the California Elections Code for the purpose of allowing voters within the City to voice their opinion on substantive issues or to indicate to the City Council Its approval or disapproval of allowing this proposal to be considered. A "YES" VOTE MEANS: If you vote yes, you wish to indicate to the City Council that it should consider this proposal further and to eventually act on all the required permits for It. It does. not approve the proposal.- A "NO" VOTE MEANS: If you vote no, you do not wish the City Council to consider the proposal further. · · HOW PROPOSITION "D" GOT ON THE BALLOT On February 1, 1994, the City Council decided to place this matter on the ballot for June 7, 1994 in order to allow the voters within the City to voice their opinion on the proposal. FISCAL IMPACT: Should the proposed measure be approved, It would not In and of itself affect the cost of government. However, as a product of the eventual approval of this proposal, certain revenues of the City may be increased in an indeterminate but possibly substantial amount. PR-1300·1 N S0017-025 l I I ! ..,, :E (.J 0 c:, "' z In C ~ ..., 8 0, • LOCATION CANNON PROPOSED MAIN ENTRANCE TO LEGO FAMILY PARK LEGO FAMILY PARK * PALOMAR I I LEGEND ~ · ~ Approximate Location of Lego Family· Pork ! Map Not To Scale m Proposed Main Entrance to Lego Family Pork ~ Boundary of Flower Fields ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION D FOR OUR CHILDREN, OUR ENVIRONMENT AND OUR ECONOMY • Community leaders encouraged LEGO to select Carlsbad because of LEGO's commitment to the environment and values of our community, and because of its impact on our local economy. • The LEGO Family Park will generate 600 new jobs and $76 million annually. It will add over $600,000 each year in city revenues. LANDSCAPING, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR CHILDREN 2-T0-13 YEARS OLD AND THEIR FAMILIES • Located on a 125-acre parcel east of 1-5 between Palomar Airport and Cannon Roads, over two- thirds of the Park will be landscaped open space; the remainder hands-on education and fun entertainment facilities for young children and their families. • There will be no thrill rides, cheap hotels, strip malls or other inappropriate development. PARK MUST COMPLY WITH GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS • The City Council, Planning Commission and Coastal Commission must still approve plans for the Park, prepare an Environmental Impact Report, and certify the Park conforms to Carlsbad's tough Growth Management Plan. The project wilf be built in an area already designated in our General Pian for non-residential uses. TRAFFIC CIRCULATION PROTECTED, FLOWER FIELDS PRESERVED • Among conditions agreed to by LEGO are a circulation plan which funnels traffic directly on and off the freeway via Cannon Road -avoiding impact on our local streets. The Park will generate ~ traffic than alternative development. • Another condition of development ensures permanent preservation of adjacent flower fields. A FAMILY PARK FOR A FAMILY CITY • We've 'carefully reviewed plans for the LEGO Family Park. Many of us traveled to Denmark to ~ observe first-hand the existing Park in Billund. a We support the Park because it is consistent with our community's family values, its emphasis on education, and because it will contribute to a strong economy and healthy environment. BARBARA H. MEAD School Board Trustee HOPE WRISLEY Senior Vice President Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce PR-1300-3 KAY CHRISTIANSEN Carlsbad Historian OFELIA E. ESCOBEDO, President Barrio Association MARY H. CASLER Former Mayor of Carlsbad N SD 017-027 REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION D The proponents of Lego Theme Park tell us not to worry about its impact upon our quality of life because the Growth Management Plan will protect us. However, as co-sponsor of the Growth Management Plan I can tell you that at no time during its drafting in 1986 did we plan that the focal point of Carlsbad would one clay be a theme park that would generate 2.0 milllon visitors in its first year of operation. You should be aware that even without Lego Theme Park Carlsbad's population will nearly double in size. Lego Theme Park should not be approved without a reevaluation of the Growth Management Plan and an examination as to whether our existing 135,000 population cap should be lowered to accommodate this influx of visitors. To date, none of this has been done. Why risk our quality of life for a few extra tax dollars? If ·Disneyland couldn't save Anaheim from the recessiol] how will Lego Theme Park save us? Lego may be a nice theme park but that is not the question. The real question is whether Lego can be assimilated into Carlsbad without damaging our quality of life. This would be a difficult task for any city. Can you name a theme park city the size of Carlsbad where you would want to live? MARK PETTINE Former Carlsbad City Councilmember PR-1300-4 N SO 017-028 ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION D You are not voting on Lego or the quality of their Theme park. What happens in the park is of little importance. You ~ voting on what a large Theme/amusement park will do to Carlsbad. LEGO will change Carlsbad forever. This decision is about increasing the intensity of our development and changing our vision of Carlsbad's future. LEGO is an Amusement park, a "cornerstone project" with 2.0 million visitors projected initially. If we want LEGO then we should want it to grow and be successful. The growth of Lego's visitor population is not controlled by our zoning, General Plan or Growth Management Plan. The only limit on this population growth is LEGO's desire for profit. As LEGO grows so goes Carlsbad. Where goes our community's character? LEGO and its growth will bring changes. some immediate but many just one small step after another taking us farther away from the Carlsbad we know and cherish. Millions of new tourists bring with them their needs for city services and their problems: more traffic, more crime, more trash, more pollution, more crowds, and more need for water. The people of Orange County and L.A. long ago traded their quality of life for problems like these hoping for economic prosperity and tax revenues. Big money promises, at what cost to you? LEGO will guide our economy into one dominated and dependent on tourism. An amusement/ theme park environment will not attract the other businesses we want and need for Carlsbad's future and prosperity. In order to support LEGO, generate more jobs, and entice these tourists to contribute to Carlsbad, we must become an amusement tourist trap; catching and keeping the tourist dollar with more hotels, more motels, amusement centers and restaurants. Is this your vision of Carlsbad's future? Vote no. GEOFFREY BELL MICHELLE BECKER Member, Neighbors Involved in Carlsbad's Future Member, Neighbors Involved in Carlsbad's Future A. J. SKOTNICKI WILLIAM JUBB Former Carlsbad City Council Member Banker PR-1300-5 DARRELL A. PINES Member, Neighbors Involved in Carlsbad's Future N SD 017·029 REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION D The opposition to the LEGO Family Park Is using fear, misrepresented statistics and untruths to mislead voters. They say: · LEGO will change Carlsbad forever. THE FACTS ARE: The LEGO Family Park will generate.SUBSTANTIALLY LESS TRAFFIC than alternative land • uses such as commercial and industrial. Vehicles Per Day The LEGO Family Park ....•...............••• 2,155 128 acres Home Depot .•..............•....•......•... 4,000 20 acres Plaza Camino Real . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . . . 15,000 150 acres est. They say: The only limit on LEGO'S population growth Is their desire for profits. THE FACTS ARE: LEGO will have SIGNIFICANTLY LESS VISITORS THAN THE ZOO OR SEA WORLD which have been around for decades. Ask those around Sea World or the Zoo if they would rather · have an industrial complex or a regional mall instead? THE LEGO PARK REPRESENTS A WHOLESOME, NON-POLLUTING, EDUCATIONAL AND FINANCIAL ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY. Visitors per Year In MIiiions The LEGO Family Park .............. ; .•••• 1.8 The Zoo •......•..•........••....•....•.• 2.9 Sea World •••...•••...••.•.•••.••.•..••.• 3.8 Disneyland ........••...•.....•...••..••. 11.7 They say: Is this your vision of Carlsbad's future? THE TRUTH IS: YOU BET! The HEAVILY LANDSCAPED LEGO PARK WITHIN A PARK CONCEPT will have a direct financial stake in protecting our quality of life. The Park will conform to our voter approved Growth Management Plan, while preserving our famed flower fields and adding 600 jobs locally. · · CARLSBAD IS A WHOLESOME FAMILY CITY! VOTE YES ON D. PEDER NORBY Chair, C.A.R.E.S. JOHN H. HAEDRICH Immediate Past President Tri-City Hospital Foundation PR-1300-6 SEENA TAIGAS School Board Trustee MATT HALL Former Planning Commissioner GENE FORSYTH Former Co-Chair Village Merchants Association N SO 017-030 CITY OF CARLSBAD Proposition D (This proposition will appear on the ballot In the following form.) 0 ADVISORY VOTE ONLY Shall the City of Carlsbad consider approving a Lego p R p D Family Park within the Carlsbad Ranch Project located east of Interstate 5, north of Palomar Airport Road, and south of Cannon Road, provided that the project shall fully comply with the City's Growth Management Plan. and all land use processing and environmental review requirements? CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS THE WAY IT IS NOW: Existing law requires numerous approvals for the eventual developm1mt of the Lego Family Park. It is anticipated at a minimum this proposal would require a general plan and local coastal plan amendment, specific plan amendment, rezoning, tentative map, hillside development permit, local facilities management plan amendments, cancellation of an agricultural preserve contr;;ict and an environmental impact report. These permits would require public hearings. A coastal development permit would also be required from the California Coastal Commission. The proposed site is currently designated and zoned for Commercial, Office and Industrial and Open Space agricult1:Jral uses. There presently is an approved development project on the site entitled "The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan" approved March 16, 1993, and on _file in the City Clerk's office and Planning Department. No development may be approved on this site unless it has all the necessary public facilities available or guaranteed to be available prior to construction under the City's Growth Management Plan and by Proposition E which was approved by the voters in 1986. These plans do not permit development at this site unless the necessary public facilities are provided concurrent with their need with an emphasis on ensuring good traffic circulation, schools, parks, libraries, open space and recreational amenities. THE PROPOSAL: Although a formal application has not been submitted to the City al this time, it is anticipated that an amendment to lhe existing Specific Plan will be submitted lo include a family-orienled theme park consisting of exhibits and attractions made primarily from interlocking plastic blocks, entertainment and dining, retail uses, rides catering to children of ages 2 through 13, and educational workshop areas on approximately 125 acres in the general location as shown on the location map. This measure is an advisory measure as authorized by the California Elections Code for the purpose of allowing voters within the City to voice their opinion on substantive issues or to Indicate to the City Council its approval or disapproval of allowing this proposal to be considered .. A "YES" VOTE MEANS: If you vote yes, you wish to indicate to the City Council that it should consider this proposal further and to eventually act on all the required permits for it. It does not approve the proposal. A "NO" VOTE MEANS: 11 you vote no, you do not wish the City Council to consider the proposal further. HOW PROPOSITION "D" GOT ON THE BALLOT On February 1, 1994, the City Council decided lo place this matter on the ballot for June 7, 1994 in order to allow the voters within the City to voice their opinion on the proposal. FISCAL IMPACT: Should the proposed measure be approved, it would not in and of itself affect the cost of government. However, as a product of the eventual approval of this proposal, certain revenues of the City may be increased in an indeterminate but possibly substantial amount. PR-1300-1 D SD 017-28 Q_ ;\~ :,c a:: -< ....., a... CJ ,.., >- z J) !; ~~ 0 0 - = f- Lu _, <( u 0 _J PR-1300-2 --·n: - I -"" ... 0 a.. >, I ] u... 0 "" u ..J -0 C 0 ..., C, u 0 ..J Cl) ..., 0 E X 0 '-a. a. < -"" .... 0 a.. >, ·e 0 i.... 0 "" u ..J 0 en ..., -c, "' ., u C: I.;_ 0 .... I... ..., Cl) C: ll= w 0 C i.... 0 :E 0 "CJ >, Cl) '-<n 0 0 "CJ a. C: 0 ::> '-0 c.. CD ~m~ . 0 u "' 0 ~ ~ -0 :i,: <I. " :lf • D SO 017-29 ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION D FOR OUR CHILDREN, OUR ENVIRONMENT AND OUR ECONOMY • Community leaders encouraged LEGO to select Carlsbad because of LEGO's commitment to the environment and values of our community, and because of Its Impact on our local economy. • The LEGO Family Park will generate 600 new jobs and $76 million annually. It will add over $600,000 each year In city revenues. LANDSCAPING, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR CHILDREN 2-TO-13 YEARS OLD AND THEIR FAMILIES • Located on a 125-acre parcel east of 1-5 between Palomar Airport and Cannon Roads, over two- thirds of the Park will be landscaped open space; the remainder hands-on education and fun entertainment facilities for young children and their families. • There will be no thrill rides, cheap hotels, strip malls or other inappropriate development. PARK MUST COMPLY WITH GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS • The City Council, Planning Commission and Coastal Commission must still approve plans for the Park, prepare an Environmental Impact Report, and certify the Park conforms to Carlsbad's tough Growth Management Plan. - • The project will be built in an area already designated in our General Plan for non-residential uses. TRAFFIC CIRCULATION PROTECTED, FLOWER FIELDS PRESERVED • Among conditions agreed to by LEGO are a circulation plan which funnels traffic directly on and off the freeway via Cannon Road -avoiding impact on our local streets. The Park will generate less traffic than alternative development. • Another condition of development ensures permanent preservation of adjacent flower fields. A FAMILY PARK FOR A FAMILY CITY • We've carefully reviewed plans for the LEGO Family Park. Many of us traveled to Denmark to observe first-hand the existing Park in Billund .. • We support the Park because it is consistent with our community's family values, its emphasis on education, and because it will contribute to a strong economy and healthy environment. BARBARA H. MEAD School Board Trustee HOPE WRISLEY Senior Vice President Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce PR-1300-3 KAY CHRISTIANSEN Carlsbad Historian OFELIA E. ESCOBEDO, President Barrio Association MARY H. CASLER Former Mayor of Carlsbad D SO 017-30 REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION D The proponents of Lego Theme Park tell us not to worry about its impact upon our quality of life because the Growth Management Plan will protect us. However, as co-sponsor of the Growth Management Plan I can tell you that at no time during its drafting in 1986 did we plan that the focal point of Carlsbad would one day be a theme ·park that would generate 2.0 million visitors in its first year of operation. You should be aware that even without Lego Theme Park Carlsbad's population will nearly double In size. Lego Theme Park should not be approved without a reevaluation of the Growth Management Plan and an examination as to whether our existing 135,000 population cap should be lowered to accommodate this influx of visitors. To date, none of this has been done. Why risk our quality of life for a few extra tax dollars? If Disneyland couldn't save Anaheim from the recession how will Lego Theme Park save us? Lego may be a nice theme park but that is not the question. The real question is whether Lego can be assimilated into Carlsbad without damaging our quality of life. This would be a difficult task for any city. Can you name a theme park city the size of Carlsbad where you would want to live? MARK PETTINE Former Carlsbad City Councilrnember PR-1300-4 D SD 017-31 ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION D You are not voting on Lego or the quality of their Theme park. What happens in the park is of little importance. You are voting on what a large Theme/amusement park will do to Carlsbad. LEGO will change Carlsbad forever. This decision is about increasing the intensity of our development and changing our vision of Carlsbad's future. LEGO is an Amusement park, a "cornerstone project" with 2.0 million visitors projected initially. If we want LEGO then we should want it to grow and be successful. The growth of Lego's visitor population is not controlled by our zoning, General Plan or Growth Management Plan. The only limit on this population growth is LEGO's desire for profit. As LEGO grows so goes Carlsbad. Where goes our community's character? LEGO and its growth will bring changes, some immediate but many just one small step after another taking us farther away from the Carlsbad we know and cherish. Millions of new tourists bring with them their needs for city services and their problems: more traffic, more crime, more trash, more pollution, more crowds, and more need for wa.ter. The people of Orange County and L.A. long ago traded their quality of life for problems like these hoping for economic prosperity and tax revenues. Big money promises, at what cost to you? LEGO will guide our economy into one dominated and dependent on tourism. An amusemenV theme park environment will not attract the other businesses we want and need for Carlsbad's future and prosperity. In order to support LEGO, generate more jobs, and entice these tourists to contribute to Carlsbad, we must become an amusement tourist trap; catching and keeping the tourist dollar with more hotels, more motels, amusement ·centers and restaurants. Is this your vision of Carlsbad's future? Vote no. GEOFFREY BELL MICHELLE BECKER Member, Neighbors Involved in Carlsbad's Future Member, Neighbors Involved in Carlsbad's Future A. J. SKOTNICKI WILLIAM JUBB Former Carlsbad City Council Member Banker PR-1300-5 DARRELL A. PINES Member, Neighbors Involved in Carlsbad's Future D SD 017-32 REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION D The opposition to the LEGO Family Park is using fear, misrepresented statistics and untruths to mislead voters. They say: LEGO will change Carlsbad forever. THE FACTS ARE: The LEGO Family Park will generate SUBSTANTIALLY LESS TRAFFIC than alternative land uses such as commercial and industrial. Vehicles Per Day The LEGO "Family Park ....................... 2,155 128 acres Home Depot ................................ 4,000 20 acres Plaza Camino Real . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,000 150 acres est. They say: The only limit on LEGO'S population growth is their desire for profits. THE FACTS ARE: LEGO will have SIGNIFICANTLY LESS VISITORS THAN THE ZOO OR SEA WORLD which have been around for decades. Ask those around Sea World or the Zoo if they would rather have an industrial complex or a regional mall instead? THE LEGO PARK REPRESENTS A WHOLESOME, NON-POLLUTING, EDUCATIONAL AND FINANCIAL ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY. Visitors per Year in Millions The LEGO Family Park ... · .. , .. , , .......... 1.8 The Zoo ....... : .......................... 2.9 Sea World ............................... 3.8 Disneyland .....................•........ 11. 7 They say: Is this your vision of Carlsbad's future? THE TRUTH IS: YOU BET! The HEAVILY LANDSCAPED LEGO PARK WITHIN A PARK CONCEPT will have a direct financial stake in protecting our quality of life. The Park will conform to our voter approved Growth Management Plan, while preserving our famed flower fields and adding 600 jobs locally. CARLSBAD IS A WHOLESOME FAMILY CITY! VOTE YES ON D. PEDER NORBY Chair, C.A.R.E.S. JOHN H. HAEDRICH Immediate Past President · Tri-City Hospital Foundation PR-1300-6 SEENA TAIGAS School .Board Trustee MATT HALL Former Planning Commissioner GENE FORSYTH Former Co-Chair Village Merchants Association D SD 017-33