SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A long-planned but controversial religious tourism and conference center project in Mission Valley received final approval today from the San Diego City Council.
Construction of the $131 million Legacy International Project will be funded by televangelist Morris Cerullo.
Slated for the 18-acre site of the former Mission Valley Resort, the project encompasses five buildings, including a new 127-room hotel and restaurant. It will also have a replica of Jerusalem's Wailing Wall and a domed theater featuring biblical films.
At a hearing two weeks ago, opponents expressed concerns over the potential for increased traffic in an already congested area.
Cerullo's organization plans to add one lane in each direction on Hotel Circle South. Under a permit condition, they plan to maintain a count of vehicles that enter the facility's driveway over the first three years.
On its second reading, the item was passed without comment on a 7-2 vote, with Georgette Gomez and Chris Ward dissenting.
The council also approved an amendment to council policy that will move up the timeline for receiving ballot submissions from the public.
The change does not affect citizens initiatives or referendums that go through the signature collection process.
According to City Clerk Elizabeth Maland, the amendment will provide a little more clarity to the public about the process. She said receiving the measures earlier will give city officials more time to provide legal review and analysis, along with help in drafting language.
The policy change will also affect submissions from city officials and departments or other public agencies.
