The two City-owned parcels on Camino Capistrano next to Pedro's Tacos should not be sold to a developer to build a retail complex at that site, but rather should be converted into a visitor's center and park. The site is visually extremely sensitive (major view corridor), and its proximity to the Mission argues both for limited development and for creativity in maximizing its location to induce visitors to stay in town after visiting the Mission. A group of interested citizens and businesses in San Juan Capistrano have joined together to offer an alternative to the City selling the land.  The major components include:

1.  Build a small Visitor's Center with public restrooms that would also house the Chamber of Commerce.  It would be staffed seven days a week to assist visitors in finding reasons to explore the town and its wealth of history and shops.  The Center could also house a small room with a slide show or short film that gives an overview of San Juan Capistrano's history and places of  interest.

2. Rebuild the retaining wall at the back of the property above the parking lot so as to create more usable space.  Put in a park area with fountain, tables and benches surrounding the Visitor's Center so as to create a pleasant setting and sense of place for visitors to relax or wait for others who are walking through town.  View markers would be established to explain what one is looking at from that site  (both toward the Mission and toward Los Rios and the hills).

3. Funding for improvements would come primarily from residents and businesses, and the City would retain ownership and maintenance of the property.  It is estimated that the total improvement costs  would be around $200,000.  Contributions of both cash and in-kind services/materials would be sought.  Over 33% of the cost of these improvements is already committed.

4. The site would also make an ideal central point for community parades and other activities that run on Camino Capistrano, such as Swallows Day, et. al.

5. The alternative proposal before the City of a series of three retail buildings will eliminate the view  corridor and result in "tunneling" on Camino Capistrano at a crucial juncture.  An alternate may be to approach the applicant about a land swap for Parcel 11 next to Pedro's in exchange for the small  undeveloped park further South on the East side of Camino Capistrano.  That location would be a better location for a retail development, having ample parking behind it and across the street.  It also would not detract from a view corridor nor negatively impact the Mission.

Paid for by Citizens for Mark Nielsen * 27126-B Paseo Espada Suite 725 * SJC CA 92675 * 949.325.0130