Chapter 1 — INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the Camp Lockett Master Plan and Rezone (“Project”) is to develop and recommend zoning that permits civic, cultural, visitor, and community-oriented uses that are intended to help revitalize the Campo community. Changes to zoning designations for the properties would accommodate future land uses such as museums, historic displays, and community-serving facilities such as parks, schools, daycare centers, and community centers. The Camp Lockett Master Plan and Rezone will establish a site review and design designator in order to simplify the discretionary review process needed to guide future development within the development area. An expansion of the Camp Lockett Historic District is also included within this project.

The County of San Diego initiated work on the development of a Master Plan for an approximately 400-acre area of Campo in eastern San Diego County known as Camp Lockett. Within the study area, approximately 194 acres are proposed for potential improvements that may require ground disturbance related to vegetation clearing, road and building construction, utilities, infrastructure, and building demolition.

Camp Lockett WWII Supply Building

Camp Lockett was historically used as a U.S. military encampment and was home of the 10th, 11th, and 28th Calvary during World War II, including the famous “Buffalo Soldiers.” The County, in coordination with the Camp Lockett Interest Group (CLIG) sees the potential and opportunity for the Camp Lockett area to serve as a center for the Campo community. As shown in Figure 1, Parcel Ownership, the CLIG is composed of the Camp Lockett Event Equestrian Facility (CLEEF), the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum (PSRM), San Ysidro Health (SYH), the Motor Transport Museum (MTM), the Mountain Empire Unified School District (MEUSD), and the Mountain Empire Historical Society (MEHS).

The following briefly describes the entities involved:

· The Camp Lockett Event Equestrian Facility (CLEEF) provides a unique equestrian facility on the historic grounds of Camp Lockett. The facility, located within the southernmost portion of Camp Lockett, currently includes a recreated Buffalo Soldiers equestrian obstacle course, a small museum of artifacts, various outdoor arenas, and the Ferguson House.

· The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum (PSRM) is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of railroads as they existed in the

Pacific Southwest. The museum, located in the northwestern portion of Camp Lockett, currently includes the restored Campo Depot that functions as a train station and gift shop, exhibit halls and display areas showcasing historic railroad cars and locomotives, and the Southwest Railway Library.

· San Ysidro Health (SYH) is dedicated to improving and maintaining the health and well-being of a person through high-quality healthcare and community services. SYH operates the Mountain Health Community Center, located in the center of Camp Lockett, which currently includes, but is not limited to, the following services: CalFresh applications for food stamps, Medi-Cal assistance, emergency food boxes and onsite, home-delivery senior lunches, and recreational activities for all ages.

· The Motor Transport Museum (MTM) is dedicated to increasing public awareness and appreciation for historic and antique trucks and the development of the motor transport industry. The museum, which includes four buildings within central Camp Lockett, preserves, restores and displays antique trucks, equipment, and artifacts that have positively influenced the motor transport industry.

· The Mountain Empire Unified School District (MEUSD) began educating students in 1923 and was composed of seven elementary schools and one union high school. In 1952, the District unified and now encompasses over 660 square miles consisting of two Pre-K through 8th-grade elementary schools, two Pre-K through 5th-grade elementary schools, two 7th through 8th-grade middle schools including Camp Lockett Middle School located in the southern portion of Camp Lockett, one high school, and an Alternative Education Program and Transition Program.

· The Mountain Empire Historical Society (MEHS) leases the Gaskill Brothers Stone Store Museum from the County of San Diego. It is situated just north of the intersection of Forest Gate Road and Highway 94. Built in 1885, the building was a central hub of commerce, travel, gunfights, and ranching from the 1860s to the 1920s. The museum commemorates the history of the Gaskill Brothers and other displaced Texans during the Civil War.

The CLIG intends to use the property for the benefit of the public, to provide additional community services to Campo area residents, expand educational programs, and preserve the historic aspects of the property. The Camp Lockett Master Plan and Rezone will create a vision for the Camp Lockett area and guide implementation of the long-range goals and objectives for the site.