By SDCN Editor
Oceanside, CA–The North County Transit District (NCTD) Board of Directors voted Thursday in favor of entering into Exclusive Negotiation Agreements with two developers for redevelopment at two Sprinter stations in Oceanside.
The first agreement for the Melrose Sprinter Station is with USA Properties Fund Inc., and Waterford Property Company, a general partnership. The second agreement for the Rancho Del Oro Sprinter Station is with S.V.D.P. Management Inc. (Father Joe’s Villages).
“These projects will be instrumental to increasing ridership and enhancing community spaces,” said North County Transit District Board Chair Jewel Edson. “The addition of housing and amenities at each station improves the convenience of taking transit and will have a positive impact on the surrounding communities.”
The Melrose Avenue and Rancho Del Oro Sprinter stations are part of NCTD’s transit-oriented development strategy at 11 sites across North County, including Oceanside Transit Center, Carlsbad Village and Poinsettia Stations, Escondido Transit Center, and five additional Sprinter Station locations in the cities of Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos.
“We’re committed to developing our stations in a way that improves the transit experience in North County and benefits the community by bringing needed housing and economic development,” said North County Transit District CEO Shawn Donaghy. “The selection of potential developers for these sites is the first step in transforming these transit stations into vibrant, livable communities with easy access to our transit system.”
The transit-oriented development projects will include housing, retail, and community amenities like parks, trails, and gathering spaces. The projects are a part of NCTD’s strategy to transform underutilized land into mobility hubs that will increase ridership and regional connectivity; support regional housing goals and community amenities; and promote environmental stewardship and economic growth in the region.
The proposed Melrose Sprinter Station and Rancho Del Oro Sprinter Station projects will include low-income and very low-income, adding to the City of Oceanside’s supply of affordable housing.
The Melrose Sprinter Station project includes 420 affordable housing units, a neighborhood park, a pedestrian walkway, enhanced transit walking areas, and transit-dedicated parking spaces.
“We are excited for the opportunity to continue working with NCTD on the Melrose Sprinter Station in Oceanside and partnering with USA to bring about much-needed affordable housing to the city,” said Sean Rawson, co-founder of Waterford Property Company. “It has been important to our firm to seek ways to increase housing affordability and this opportunity will add to our work in communities throughout North County San Diego.”
“USA Properties Fund is looking forward to working with NCTD and Waterford Property Company on the transit-oriented development that will provide much-needed quality, affordable housing for residents at a range of income levels,” said Geoff Brown, President of USA Properties Fund. “The apartment community will offer easy access to public transportation, including the Melrose Sprinter Station, allowing many residents a much easier commute to work or school, while enjoying living in one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the region.”
The Rancho Del Oro Sprinter Station will provide a list of similar amenities, including 98 affordable housing units, 8,000 square feet of retail space, public plaza, wide paseos for pedestrians and numerous cyclist amenities, transit dedicated parking spaces, enhanced station, waiting areas, and improved bus infrastructure and bus operator restrooms.
“Father Joe’s Villages is honored to partner with NCTD and the City of Oceanside as the developer of the Rancho Del Oro Sprinter Station property,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “Bringing this affordable housing project to life, together, near transit, has the power to prevent homelessness for hundreds of people across Oceanside.”
The board’s approval marks a critical step toward reinventing the two existing Sprinter stations at Melrose Avenue and Rancho Del Oro Avenue. The project will transform underutilized parking lots into vibrant community spaces where residents and visitors can live, shop, and play.
