In Brief

Mayoral “Betrayal” Pauses Fairgrounds Housing Talks

Based on a January media interview by Mayor Terry Gaasterland that appeared to support a Fairgrounds alignment for rail relocation, the 22^nd DAA Board of Directors voted 5-3 on February 11 to temporarily discontinue affordable housing discussions with the City of Del Mar. 22^nd DAA Director Michael Gelfand said his motion was based on statements by the Mayor that “blatantly contradicted” a joint resolution agreed to earlier by the cities of Del Mar, Solana Beach, and the 22^nd DAA concern rail realignment. “This is not retaliation. This is a response to a betrayal,” he said. Gelfand’s successful motion discontinues discussions under an Exclusive Negotiating Rights Agreement to locate up to 61 affordable housing units on the Fairgrounds, “until such time as the Board can consider this item again at our March 2025 meeting.” Gaasterland essentially doubled down on her media comment, telling the 22^nd DAA Board, “I truly believe that pushing for Alignment A” [the Fairgrounds alignment] “ is what may well have now given birth to this yellow alignment,” an apparent reference to one of the 16 alternatives listed in the Value Analysis Study Report released by SANDAG in February. However, none of the 22^nd DAA directors indicated any support for her assertion that her push for Alignment A had produced a positive result from the Fairgrounds’ perspective, and as Director Arabo succinctly stated, “We had a deal. Del Mar broke the deal. I hope we can fix it.”

Editors’ note: Editorial Board member Don Mosier serves on the 22nd DAA Board of Directors. He does not participate in writing or editing any Sandpiper articles relating to affordable housing on the Fairgrounds, or potential Fairgrounds rail alignments.

End of an era: Jenn Powers and Greg Glassman (2^nd and 3^rd from left) on the closing night of Zel’s. Del Martians filled the beloved restaurant to say farewell (and wish Jenn a happy birthday). Photo: Betty Wheeler.