SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A major artery into Del Mar is expected to be open in time for the San Diego County Fair.
Monday night, city leaders in Del Mar approved an emergency contract with Southland Paving Inc. to make the initial repairs to the hillside that collapsed above Jimmy Durante Boulevard near Camino Del Mar last month. For now, the cost will come out of the city's general fund.
The council also heard from well known and respected geologist Dr. Pat Abbott. He issued a public apology for suggesting the construction of a home on Seaview Avenue, on top of the hillside, may have contributed to the slide.
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During an interview the day after the collapse, Dr. Abbott told 10News the soil make up, the heavy ice plants and the wet winter all played a role in the slide, but he mentioned another possibility.
"I looked at a big house being constructed high up on the hill and I thought that might be a contributing factor also, I was wrong."
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The house is owned and being designed by veteran local architect Dean Meredith.
"I have since checked with the geotechnical people, Geotechnical Exploration Inc., all things done well,” said Abbott. “Everything went through the city, rules and specifications, therefore, I was wrong."
Dean and Monica Meredith thanked Abbott for his comments. The repair work is expected to be finished by Memorial Day weekend, if not sooner.
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