Caruso Retail Referendum on Tap in Carlsbad

Shopping center developer Caruso Affiliated wants to build a retail center in Carlsbad, but some local residents say “not so fast.”

City officials claim enough signatures were gathered in a public referendum to challenge building of the new mall, despite the City Council’s previous approval to go forward on the project.

The nonprofit grassroots group opposing the mall is Citizens for North County, which cited environmental concerns.

The City Council must now make a choice: either put the Carlsbad mall up to a public vote, or repeal its prior approval.

The proposed Caruso retail center, located near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, would be anchored by a Nordstrom. Caruso representatives say the new shopping center would bring upscale shopping and dining to the area.