If you have driven down Santa Barbara’s scenic Foothill Road, chances are you have driven past the San Marcos Foothills Preserve. It lies nestled just short of the Highway 154 onramp, tucked away behind the busy comings and goings of our little beach side town. This indigenous land is home to hundreds of species, flora and fauna, big and small. This indigenous land is also at immediate risk of being developed by the Chadmar Group, self-described as “a private, niche-focused homebuilding and development company specializing in the creation and/or restoration of irreplaceable landmark buildings, resort destinations, high-end luxury enclaves and neighborhoods throughout the Western United States.”
The developers plan to bulldoze 101 acres of the Preserve to make way for eight multimillion-dollar luxury mansions. Of course, this has caused great uproar within our community.
In addition to being home to over 200 species of animals and 250 species of plants, this space has become a go-to for dog walkers, hikers, bikers, runners, walkers, or anyone simply wishing to clear their head with a breath of fresh air. All of this is being threatened at the hand of the Chadmar Group.