If you live in or own property in Del Mar, Solana Beach, or the surrounding areas in San Diego County, you may have heard about the massive changes coming to the local railroad tracks.
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) plans to relocate the train tracks that currently run along the Del Mar bluffs, moving them inland and underground to help protect the area from erosion and improve transportation.
While this project aims to create a more resilient rail system, it could cause major disruptions for homeowners and business owners. Below we’ll cover what you need to know about this development and how it could impact your property.
If you live in or own a business in the San Diego County area and are worried about how the upheaval of the Del Mar train tracks will affect you, Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire is here to help you.
With over 45 years of experience in the complicated area of law known as eminent domain, we know how to defend and uphold the rights of property owners. Learn how we can fight to ensure you’re fully compensated by contacting our team online or calling (619) 236-9363 today.
What’s Happening With the Del Mar Bluffs Rail Relocation?
The train tracks along the Del Mar bluffs have been at risk for years due to coastal erosion. Climate change, rising sea levels, intense storms, and ongoing bluff collapses have jeopardized the railway. To address this, SANDAG is proposing to move the tracks inland by building tunnels under the bluffs, away from the coastline.
Three alternative track line plans are being proposed for the 1.7-mile stretch that runs along the eroding cliffside between Sorrento Valley and Solana Beach:
Alternative A
Eliminates the above-ground track entirely in Del Mar. These fully underground tracks would follow along Interstate 5 before turning back toward the coast, passing under the San Dieguito Lagoon, and reconnecting with the current railway near the fairgrounds. The project would also affect the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon area.
Alternative B
The second plan has one tunnel entrance at Carmel Valley, with the second entrance near Jimmy Durante Boulevard, south of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The area would need to be raised for the tunnel. This plan would move the train tracks underground through parts of Torrey Pines State Reserve and Del Mar, instead of along the interstate and lagoon like in the first plan.
Alternative C
The third plan has the shortest tunnel, starting near Torrey Pines State Beach’s north parking lot and ending under Jimmy Durante Boulevard. A bridge would carry the train tracks over Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, and the tracks around the lagoon would be raised and expanded.
The tunnel entrance might affect some nearby residential properties. This plan would move the tracks only a little inland near Camino Del Mar, making it the least disruptive of the three options.
Facing eminent domain may feel unfair, especially when the government interferes with your hard-earned property for a public project. You may feel helpless, but with the right legal support, you don’t have to go through this alone.
If you’re affected by eminent domain, Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire will stand up for your rights and ensure you’re not shortchanged. Get in touch with us online or call (619) 236-9363 today.
How the SANDAG Rail Relocation Can Affect You
The proposed Del Mar train relocation could directly impact homeowners and business owners in San Diego County in several ways, particularly through eminent domain, which is the government’s power to take private property for public use, with compensation.
Displacement of Homes and Businesses
In all three proposals, portions of the new underground tracks and infrastructure would pass through or near private properties. This could lead to the government taking part of your property or even the entirety of your property through eminent domain.
If your home or business lies in the pathway of the new tunnels or railways, such as near the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Jimmy Durante Boulevard, or Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, the government may seize part or all of your land to make way for construction. Businesses near the planned underground stations or tracks could be forced to close or relocate if part of their land is condemned.
Loss of Access and Decreased Property Value
Many of these plans involve building tunnels, bridges, and other infrastructure that could block or change access routes to your property.
Changes to nearby roads, driveways, or pathways might make it more difficult to access your home, decreasing its desirability and property value.
Additionally, for business owners, disruptions like blocked access or construction nuisances could hurt customer traffic and sales. Businesses that rely on high visibility or ease of access could lose revenue, and customers may go elsewhere.
Encroachment Into Your Property
Some of the proposed tunnels or railways may extend into or under your home or business. If the tunnel or infrastructure portal extends under your land, you could lose a portion of your property or face restrictions on how you use it.
For example, if the SANDAG Del Mar project requires the installation of new tunnels or supporting infrastructure beneath your land, it could disrupt:
- Landscaping
- Utilities
- Access rights
- The size of your property
- Future expansion
- Parking areas
- Customer access
How a San Diego Eminent Domain Lawyer Can Help Those Impacted by the Del Mar Train Relocation
If your property is affected by the SANDAG rail relocation and the government exercises eminent domain, it is important to know that you have certain rights that protect your interests.
The government must offer you compensation that reflects the fair market value of your property and any losses you incur as a result of the taking. But in many cases, the government may offer much less than the true value of your property.
An experienced San Diego eminent domain attorney will ensure that you are compensated appropriately and that scales don’t tip unfairly in favor of the government. Here’s how we can help:
- Explain Your Rights: You don’t have to take eminent domain lying down simply because you’re dealing with the government. We will help you understand your rights as a property owner and why you can challenge the government’s offer.
- Fight for Fair Market Compensation: Many property owners are initially underpaid. We will ensure that compensation reflects your property’s true market value.
- Compensation for Additional Losses: We will factor in any long-term losses you suffered, including moving expenses, loss of business, or decreased property value.
Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire: Advocating for Property Owners
We know that eminent domain can be overwhelming as you feel you might lose everything you’ve worked so hard for. With the added stress of taking on a government with vast resources, you might feel like you don’t stand a chance.
For over 45 years, Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire has been protecting the rights of San Diegans in eminent domain cases and beyond. We have won over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, including a $136 million result in an eminent domain case against the city of San Diego.
If you have more questions about how the SANDAG Del Mar project could affect you, contact our team online or call (619) 236-9363 today.
Proudly Representing San Diego County Residents