City Heights Property Owner Seeks Answer on Mystery Pipe

Don Kvashay appeared before the San Diego City Council on September 28 to find answers on how to deal with an unidentified drainage pipe that falls inside his property line. Kvashay is the owner of a recently purchased vacant lot located near the corner of 37th Street and Myrtle Avenue in City Heights.

Prior to making the purchase, Kvashay says he conducted extensive research and determined that the lot was buildable and zoned Open Space Residential. When his grant deed came in months after buying the lot, he was then able to determine the exact lines of his property, said Kvashay. He discovered that a large drain pipe, which he describes as “clearly visible from any angle,” was going through his lot.

“I was under the impression that the pipe was part of a city lot adjacent to the lot I purchased,” said Kvashay. “Not only is the drainage pipe on my lot, it’s the only drainage pipe for 13 blocks in that area of City Heights.”

According to Kvashay, he went to the Development Services Department for assistance and was informed that there was no record of the pipe. Kvashay says that he researched maps and microfiche but was unable to find any city record of the pipe. The Development Services Department acknowledges that the pipe is there and clearly visible, but Kvashay says that the lack of a city record prevents the department from dispensing any advice on how to deal with the issue.

Although the council didn’t have an immediate resolution for Kvashay, District 3 councilmember Todd Gloria requested that his concerns be looked over by the mayor’s office. “I think your concerns are very valid,” said Gloria.

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