CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) -- A developer wants to add 300 more units to the Otay Ranch project in Chula Vista, expanding the housing options on the 35 acre site.
Baldwin and Sons, the developer behind the project, is asking for public input at a meeting Tuesday night. It's at 6:30 pm at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 2005 Centerpark Road in Chula Vista.
Right now, the project, called Otay Ranch, calls for 600 multi-family units, a 2 acre park, 15,000 square feet of commercial retail and two hotels. One of the hotels opened in 2017 and construction on the 292 planned for-sale condos is underway.
Now, they want to add 300 units to the plans.
"There's a real need for housing in this location," says Nick Lee, a spokesman for Baldwin and Sons.
Under the original plans, 300 apartments would have been built, with most of them being two or three-bedroom units. The new plans call for 600 apartments, with 65% of them being either studio apartments or one-bedroom units.
Lee says this will bring in more young professionals, instead of families with children. That will minmize the impact on nearby schools, which are all near capacity.
People who live nearby are more concerned about the traffic problems that will come about with 1000 new homes in the area.
"It's unbearable," says Michelle Harrison. "I don't think anyone planned for the congestion we already see on a daily basis."
Lee says the soon to open South Bay Rapid from MTS will alleviate some of the traffic problems. The apartments are a 5 minute walk to the Otay Ranch Station.
He adds the developers have worked with the city and are keeping the project well within the bounds of the General Plan. Also, Lee says an updated Environmental Impact Review showed the additional housing will not create any greater impact on the area than the original plan.
Lee says Tuesday's meeting will be important to find out what the people who live nearby want to see in the complex.
The company hopes to have final plans approved by the City Council in the start of 2019, so construction can begin as soon as possible.
