Anti-asthma councilmembers reaffirm Barrio plan

The majority of San Diego's city council gathered in front of city hall Monday morning (May 5) to affirm their support of the Barrio Logan community plan update, previously approved by the council but under attack via a heavily financed referendum effort to undermine the agreement.

"I urge San Diegans to support healthier neighborhoods and sensible planning principles by voting yes on Props B and C," said council president Todd Gloria, whose district includes the Barrio Logan neighborhood.

A yes vote on Prop B affirms the community plan, while voting yes on Prop C allows for the zoning changes needed to put it into effect.

"The Barrio Logan community plan makes sense for residents and businesses and will not interfere with existing industrial uses," Gloria continued.

At issue is a "buffer zone" that would eventually create a commercial-zoned barrier between highly polluting heavy industry and residential neighborhoods.

"As a resident who grew up with asthma from polluted neighborhoods and who has family and friends working in the shipyards, I also urge voters to support B and C to achieve our goals of protecting our children’s health while allowing our economy to grow," added councilman David Alvarez, who was joined by councilmembers Sherri Lightner, Ed Harris, Myrtle Cole, and Marti Emerald.

The effects of environmental pollution on Barrio Logan residents have been a point of concern for some time, particularly when considering the impacts of air pollution on young children and low-income households.

Both measures will be placed before voters on June 3.