OCEANSIDE — After three years of council reviews, neighborhood outreach meetings and building plan revisions, redevelopment of a four-unit multifamily development at 702 North The Strand was approved Aug. 20 in a 4-1 vote.

A speaker from the Surfrider Foundation and numerous residents spoke in opposition to the project, saying it does not meet setback requirements, impedes on public ocean views and sets an unfavorable standard for future development.

“It’s perplexing to me, after we’ve had numerous outreach meetings and worked with council members to make this the best project this could be, I don’t understand why they aren’t celebrating,” applicant Bob Sachs said.

Speakers who opposed the project said they were for development, but stressed the planned building is “oversized” for the lot, with protruding decks and a narrowed beach walkway that creep in on the present view corridor from the top of the walkway.

“People stand there daily to see sunsets, dolphins, whales,” one speaker said. “Once they build out, there will be a little tunnel for people to look out. Every inch counts.”

“Assets like this can never be replaced,” another speaker said.

Other residents spoke in favor of the project, giving kudos to the modern “boutique” building design, which had been modified after previous feedback to include a more open roof design, upgrades to the adjacent alley and the addition of a public bench.

The majority of council supported the project for improving the property.

“They’ve done everything they can to improve the design,” Councilman Jerry Kern said.

Sanchez, the only council member to speak against the project, said she did not object to the project design, but to its failure to meet setback requirements. “The issue is if the project complies with the rules,” Sanchez said. “Going into the view should not be taken lightly. One reason people come to Oceanside is for the views.”

The project was approved with reduced setbacks.

“This is investing in our future,” Councilman Jack Feller said. “We have a lot of views left.”