Alexan Escondido and Bethel Baptist Church Project

The Alexan Escondido and Bethel Baptist Church Project is a comprehensive development effort in Escondido, California, involving a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change. The project consists of the construction of a multi-family residential complex featuring 258 apartments across 10 buildings, with 13 units designated as very low-income affordable housing. Additionally, the project includes a new 24,627 square-foot church facility with a 600-seat sanctuary, offices, and meeting rooms, designed to connect with existing school buildings. The development also incorporates two dwelling units for temporary missionary housing. The project is supported by extensive technical assessments, including Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, biological and cultural resource surveys, and geotechnical investigations. Environmental compliance is managed through a Draft Environmental Impact Report and specific Stormwater Quality Management Plans that require monthly inspections during the wet season and bi-monthly inspections during the dry season. Key requirements include the employment of a qualified archaeologist meeting Secretary of the Interior standards for cultural monitoring and environmental professionals as defined by 40 CFR 312. The lead agency is the City of Escondido, with a public review period for the environmental reports scheduled from January 22 to March 9, 2026.