GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING REDEVELOPMENT IN CARLSBAD

Why did Carlsbad create a Redevelopment Area?
Redevelopment implies a great many things. To begin with, it suggests that something has already been developed at one time and that something is now in need of - and worth - redeveloping. The Carlsbad Village Area (downtown) fits that description.

The Carlsbad Village Area has a colorful history dating back to at least the 1880s when the rail line linking San Diego and Los Angeles was constructed. The Village experienced early days of glory with the construction of large hotels and spas, but by the 1980s the area was beset by problems common to many older downtowns. Buildings were in many cases seriously dilapidated, competition from modern shopping centers had stolen away much of the area's commercial vitality and the small lot sizes and patterns made new construction to current city development standards difficult and in some cases impossible. The appearance and atmosphere of the friendly village by the sea had become decidedly unfriendly in many spots, making it less than desirable and in many cases an unprofitable place in which to do business.

When the City Council adopted the 25-year Carlsbad Village Area Redevelopment Plan in 1981, the area was both depressed and depressing. The commercial vacancy rate languished at over 50 percent. Disreputable and even illegal enterprises flourished and the downtown merchants had become skeptical of the City's ability to help.

In response to the problems facing the downtown area, the Carlsbad Housing and Redevelopment Commission began using the powers granted under California Redevelopment Law in 1981 to address blighted conditions and blighting influences within the Village Redevelopment Area.

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