(North County Beat) – The board overseeing the Del Mar Fairgrounds has turned down a proposal to relocate the LOSSAN train tracks along the bluffs to the fairgrounds. This decision sets the stage for the Del Mar City Council, which is scheduled to review the same proposal on Tuesday afternoon.
A recent map released by SANDAG outlines various options for relocating the tracks. One option, highlighted in pink, suggests moving the LOSSAN tracks from the Del Mar Bluffs to run underground along Interstate 5, starting in Solana Beach.
During a meeting on Monday night, the Fairgrounds board voted against this Option A. Community members attending the meeting expressed significant concerns regarding the potential impact of the project on the local equestrian community. Carla Hayes, co-founder of Friends of Del Mar Horse Park, emphasized the incompatibility of heavy construction equipment with horses, noting that San Diego County has the highest horse population per capita in California.
Additionally, residents voiced worries about how construction could adversely affect the hospitality sector, which heavily relies on the fairgrounds for business.
The project team continues to explore alternative locations, aiming for a final decision on relocating the rail by 2035. Public comments on the LOSSAN realignment project will be accepted until Friday, July 19.
