SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - After a surprise vote from the California Coastal Commission Thursday, residents in Ocean Beach are now free to move forward with a plan they say preserves their community's small-town charm.
This is a story update. The previous story is below.
SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Ocean Beach residents are taking on the Coastal Commission because, according to them, they are being held hostage on a community plan that's been in the works for years.
Ocean Beach is known for its small-community and its charm, but supporters said they do not approve of the my way or now way approach by the Coastal Commission Plan on controversial issues such as low-cost lodging that should be enforced and impact the whole coastline and not just Ocean Beach.
"It's absolutely holding our community plan hostage we have been working on this plan for 14 years," said Giovanni Ingolia, the Ocean Beach Community Plan Sub-Committee Co-Chair.
The Coastal Commission, a state agency known to protect public access to the water, said it would deny the current Ocean Beach Community plan until it meets commission staff recommendations.
The San Diego County Council approved the plan in July of 2014.
The Land Use Plan, that must have Coastal Commission approval, requires affordable housing and lodging. Both of which Ocean Beach exceeds.
Currently in Ocean Beach, there are six hotels, hostels and motels for a total of 158 rooms.
"We only have three commercial districts that they are targeting," said Ingolia.
The Commission wants measures in place for future development.
The Ocean Beach Community Plan members said the Coastal Commission is asking too much from a small scale community, including waivers for erosion causing homes to fall of cliffs, developing 500-feet from the water instead of 40-feet.
On Thursday, Ocean Beach will take the first 40-people by bus to the Coastal Commission meeting in Chula Vista.
Pick up is at the Ocean Beach Rec Center on Santa Monica Avenue at 10 a.m.