Encinitas Will Build Gateway Arch – But Where?
The Encinitas City Council has decided to build a gateway arch as a way to welcome visitors to the city. Council members are debating among themselves as to where to put the arch.
“Most sales tax revenue is generated in New Encinitas,” said Councilman Joe Mosca, “so I think the arch should be at the El Camino Real or Rancho Santa Fe Road entries to the city.”
“The city treasurer would probably confirm that,” said Mayor Catherine Blakespear, “but most visitors arrive via the freeway or Highway 101, so I think the appropriate choice is one of those routes.”
“A lot of tourists fly to the San Diego airport and then come to Encinitas on the coast route,” said Councilwoman Jody Hubbard, “so putting the arch across 101 at the Solana Beach border sounds good to me.”
“You might accuse me of bias because I worked for the Leucadia 101 Main Street Association,” said Councilwoman Kellie Hinze. “Nevertheless, I think the border with Carlsbad along 101 is the best place for the arch.”
“I’ll join the discussion, and maybe we can come to a consensus here,” said Councilman Tony Kranz. “Here’s my reasoning: There are six freeway exits to Encinitas. We can’t put an arch at one or more, so that takes the freeway out of contention. Councilman Mosca is probably right about sales tax revenue, but that’s almost all from residents. The arch is to welcome visitors, so El Camino Real and Rancho Santa Fe Road are gone from the discussion.
“Most visitors come from north of us,” continued Kranz. “That puts the Solana Beach border out of consideration. Visitors driving 101 from the north would go under the arch if it crossed 101 at the Carlsbad line. Those exiting the freeway at La Costa Avenue and heading for the fabulous Alila Marea Beach Resort, the fantastic Marea Village adjacent to it, or anywhere south of those two would see the arch looming over 101 just north of the intersection.
“The facts point to what I think is the inescapable answer. I’m not saying this only because my choice is in my district,” concluded Kranz. “The arch should cross Highway 101 at the Carlsbad-Encinitas border. After careful consideration, I think the other council members will agree.”
