Solana Beach City Council’s proposed Community Center policy a fair compromise

I have followed the debate over renting out the Fletcher Cove Community Center for private parties. On Aug. 7, 2013, the Solana Beach City Council established a policy allowing private parties that seems quite reasonable given the fact that the Community Center now sits next to a busy family park, popular beach and crowded business area with limited parking. The City’s policy allows private rentals of the facility every other weekend for 50 guests with beer and wine.

The group gathering signatures for a Voter Initiative calls the City policy “too restrictive,” and seeks to double the number of guests, pile on unlimited alcohol and allow parties on two days, every single weekend. Proponents of the Initiative recall parties held at the facility in previous decades. The reality is that private parties have not taken place at the facility for a good 10 to 15 years. And during that time, the large parking lot has been replaced by a much-loved family park. This has led to more visitors (including children) and increased traffic which, in turn, has led to less available parking and more safety issues.

Policies need to reflect a community’s current status and needs. The City’s policy to rent out the Fletcher Cove Community Center does just that. It’s a compromise that allows private parties, while keeping the parking, traffic and safety issues in check.

Robert Glatts