OCEANSIDE: A proposal for one of the largest shopping centers in Oceanside would bring traffic to already crowded streets and is incompatible with a draft of a habitat conservation plan, an environmental report says.

Still, the project is favored by city officials, who want the upscale stores it promises.

Thomas Enterprises of Georgia plans to build the center, The Pavilion at Oceanside, on the site of the former Valley Drive In theaters in the north-central part of the city. Proposed are 950,000 square feet of commercial development on 92 acres at state Route 76 and Foussat Road.

A big-box and boutique center with Target as an anchor are planned, as well as a health club and multiplex movie theater.

Thomas has said the project would be similar to its Forum development in Carlsbad. Oceanside residents long have complained about the lack of such higher-end shopping in the city.

The environmental report, written by the city and a private consultant, was made available to the public Monday, but no recommendations are offered. Public comments can be made to the Planning Department, 300 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. –L.S.