The Menifee Planning Commission voted Wednesday to postpone a decision on the proposed Kensington residential development after concerns were raised about wildfire safety, emergency access and increased traffic in surrounding neighborhoods.
The project, proposed by Van Daele Development, would bring 160 condominium units to approximately 20 acres at the southern end of Bavaria Drive, east of I-215. Commissioners will reconsider the proposal Dec. 9, giving the developer more time to evaluate additional fire safety measures.
Much of the discussion focused on the property’s location within a very high fire hazard severity zone and its two entrances, both along Bavaria Drive.
Planning Commission Chair Ivan Holler questioned whether residents would have enough options to evacuate during a wildfire, particularly because the entrances are located close together. City staff explained that additional access routes had been explored but were impractical because of the surrounding terrain.
The developer’s fire protection plan already includes fire-resistant walls, additional attic sprinklers in certain homes and restrictions on vegetation near buildings. However, Holler wanted to explore further structural protections based on standards developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
“I’m interested in the benefit to the community and the future residents. That’s my goal,” Holler said.
Fire official Sonya Bu said additional measures could include upgraded windows, exterior doors and other fire-resistant materials. She also explained that residents would have several routes through the surrounding neighborhood after leaving the development.
The developer’s representative expressed concern about the potential cost of additional requirements and requested more time to determine whether the changes would be financially feasible.
Several nearby residents opposed the project, raising concerns about increased traffic, wildfire safety, street parking and neighborhood safety.
Dana Williams, who lives on Bavaria Drive across from one of the proposed entrances, was particularly concerned about additional vehicles traveling through his cul-de-sac, where children frequently play.
“I just don’t think it’s the spot to have that many people, that many vehicles,” Williams said.
Not everyone opposed the development. Irene Webb, who has lived in a nearby neighborhood for nearly 10 years, welcomed the possibility of bringing more families into the area.
“I think it’s going to breathe new life into the area,” Webb said.
The developer also agreed to address privacy concerns raised by neighboring Halter Hillside Apartments by installing a six-foot block wall along the shared property line and using frosted glass on second-floor windows facing the apartments.
The property was originally approved for 148 senior apartments in 2006, but construction stopped during the economic downturn in 2009. A later revision increased the approved number of units to 221, although development never resumed.
