ESCONDIDO, Calif. (KGTV) - Some residents in the North County are pushing back against a plan to build a recycling center in Escondido.
In an area of unincorporated Escondido, in the 25500 block of Mesa Rock Road, a plan is in place to build a recycling center on the property.
However, residents in the area are opposed to the project because of potential health hazards. Some residents also claim San Diego County officials waived the Environmental Impact Report requirement because the project was eligible for approval under different guidelines.
“It’s not that we’re opposed to recycling. I think it’s a great idea. We think the location, this close to neighborhoods, is not a good idea,” said resident Byron Marler.
Several homeowners in the area are worried about the decision to waive the EIR, saying there are no provisions for monitoring potential hazards to air quality from the site.
Residents were also given just 30 days to voice their concerns before the county makes a decision.
Resident Katsuri Rangan said, “We think this is unfair. We have participated in the process for a long time and we deserve more time to evaluate our options and prepare for a proper response.”
A spokesman for project developer Hilltop Group Inc. said they have owned the property for a long time and submitted the application for the recycling facility 11 years ago.
The spokesman said the North County needs the facility and noted that numerous studies were conducted to make sure the project was in compliance within all rules and regulations.
Hilltop Group Inc. has met all of the codes and zoning requirements, according to the spokesman, and it is now in the county’s hands to make a decision.
A public meeting on the project is scheduled for Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m., at the San Marcos Community Services Department (3 Civic Center Dr.) in San Marcos.
