The California developer behind a proposed carwash that was vehemently opposed by local residents asked the Escondido City Council to indefinitely postpone a hearing shortly before the council was scheduled to convene Feb. 24, according to a report by the North County Times. No reasoning behind the postponement was reported.
The hearing cancellation is a bit surprising considering how persistent Munther Ghazal had been in his attempt to develop a 1.34-acre piece of property in this community about 30 miles north of San Diego. Ghazal spent the last six years trying to push through various forms of the project, which would have included a carwash, fast lube and restaurant.
Neighboring residents objected to the proposal, repeatedly expressing concerns about too much noise and the danger increased traffic would pose to local children.
The council rejected the project in March 2009, and the planning commission twice rejected it, including last month. However, city staff endorsed the project in January, according to the North County Times.
Ghazal told the newspaper that the $7 million complex would have created 80 jobs and generated about $80,000 in annual sales tax revenue for the city.
Source:
North County Times: Car wash hearing postponed indefinitely
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