The Menifee Planning Commission voted 4-0 Wednesday, with Commissioner Chris Thomas absent, to approve plans for a 104-unit townhome development near Holland Road and Palomar Road.
The Del Oro Townhomes project will include 21 Spanish-style buildings with a main entrance on Palomar Road and an exit-only access point on Holland Road. The project also includes a 4,000-square-foot open turf area, barbecue and picnic area, tot lot, dog stations and a walking trail around the property.
Satish Lion, president of Lion Partners Inc., said the project will help provide additional housing opportunities in Menifee.
“This will be one of the lowest priced new home opportunities in the market,” Lion said. “Teachers, nurses, and young families who grew up in Menifee have been priced out, and this project provides the opportunity for new home ownership.”
During the public hearing, 34-year Menifee resident Rob Sousa raised concerns about traffic, parking, the already high-density area and a previously approved senior housing community.
“I’m asking you to please reconsider approving this. This was a senior community, 55 and older. I would love to have that community in my neighborhood because those people are going to value where they live,” he said. “It would limit the amount of traffic and flow of that project.”
Property owner Eric Flodine said the site was previously planned for a 102-unit senior community, but the project did not move forward after years of trying to find a developer. He received feedback that senior communities require more staffing, amenities and services, which made the project difficult at that size.
Commissioners also discussed concerns about parking, traffic flow and safety before approving the project.
Commission Chair Ivan Holler said the commission has to consider state housing laws when reviewing projects.
“The commission is, at times, somewhat limited in the actions that we can take because of state laws that the legislature has enacted in Sacramento,” Holler said.
The project was approved with an added condition requiring fencing around the tot lot area.
