Developer asks Escondido council to drop offsite signal requirement to restart stalled 500 West Mission project

A developer seeking to complete a stalled 500 West Mission project (proposed as a 7‑11 store and mixed development) asked the City Council during public comment to remove an offsite traffic‑signal requirement that the developer said was unrelated to the property and had become unaffordable.

Mori Gauthier said rising interest rates and construction costs halted work in September and that an investor is willing to fund completion only if the council removes the obligation to build a signal a quarter‑mile away. Gauthier told council staff had previously capped the developer’s contribution at $560,000 but the company has run out of money and cannot meet the obligation now.

Gauthier asked for council relief so construction can resume; staff said they could discuss the matter after the meeting and would work with the developer through the normal process.

What happens next: The developer will meet with staff after the meeting; any change to permit conditions or improvement obligations would require formal staff review and council action.