The problem with San Diego's historic neighborhoods

Many thanks to the Reader for publishing an article on the negatives of forcing historic designation on properties, to balance the many pro-preservation articles that have appeared in the magazine over the years. Thanks also to the property owners who were willing to stick their necks out by talking to a reporter about a serious issue that hurts thousands of property owners in San Diego, and negatively impacts the City as whole by preventing new housing near jobs and public transit.
— November 17, 2018 12:15 a.m.

The problem with San Diego's historic neighborhoods

The City of San Diego’s historic regulations are so complicated that even the lawyers on the HRB have a hard time understanding them. Of course, a conscientious criminal lawyer like Mr. Roberts would recommend that you hire a property or land use lawyer if you have a legal problem with the City.
— November 17, 2018 12:14 a.m.

St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox church versus SOHO

According to the May 17th online issue of the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church newsletter, after the City issued the demolition permit the church expansion committee did “… reach out to the one individual and two historical groups that had shown an interest in moving the houses. One of the groups did send out a contractor that specializes in moving homes. After inspecting the homes he concluded that it would be too expensive for him and his investors to move the homes.” The committee did contact others about moving the homes, but no one was willing to take them. The problem is that most old building aren’t valuable, it’s the land they sit on that is valuable. That’s why few people, even preservationists, are willing to spend their own money on them. The good news is that “The wood from all three buildings will be taken to Mexico to be repurposed.”
— May 3, 2017 3:02 p.m.

Hillcrest hashes high-rise housing heights

The City’s Master Plan says that we should have more housing near Village Centers like Hillcrest so that people can walk to work, stores, restaurants and public bus stops. The problem is that some people who live in Hillcrest and Uptown now don’t want more people to live here. The City did what they asked and lowered building heights below what already exists on an “interim” basis until the new plan is approved; and lowered densities below what is currently legal. Wonderful tall buildings like the one in the photo would not be allowed with the new regulations. Here is a link to the City’s website for Uptown with the presentation that they gave at an Uptown Planners meeting on Feb. 2nd. Just look at the maps and you’ll see what is legal now and what is actually being proposed in the future; and why people who are concerned about the environment and affordable housing think this is crazy. http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profil… Remember your economics class? The cost to buy or rent is all a matter of supply and demand. If the City reduces the supply of housing in Uptown but people want live here, the cost of housing will go up. Perhaps it would be easier to understand if I said housing is like musical chairs. If there aren’t enough chairs, people with less money loose out. Allow more chairs to be made, even expensive chairs, and the average chair won’t cost as much, and fewer people will be without chairs. This is all supply and demand.
— February 10, 2016 11:19 p.m.

Number of mayoral candidates now stands at nine...make that 13

Coons can also look you in the eye and lie with a straight face. Something I can’t imagine the other candidates bring able to do.
— September 3, 2013 2:01 a.m.

New SOHO Lawsuit Challenges Plaza de Panama Plan

Did you notice the last time you went to Balboa Park that most of the visitors were in the car free plaza at the east end of the Prado, the one between the Natural History and Science Museum? No one likes the Plaza de Panama in front of the Art Museum, with its traffic and parking lot. As for the deserted little plaza in front of the Museum of man, there is no way to save it without stopping the cars from driving through. Closing the Cabrillo Bridge is not the solution, that would hurt the neighbors in Banker’s Hill who suffer from traffic and parking problems every time the bridge is closed on a temporary basis. The City Council studied the environmental report and looked at all the alternatives, then voted to get cars out of the heart of Balboa Park. They put the highest priority on people.
— August 14, 2012 5:54 p.m.

Key Sanders and Horn Political Operative Signs on with Pro-Jacobs Balboa Park Committee

SOHO is a "tax exempt organization" and they lobby the City Council. IRS regs prohibit non profits from lobbying, why is this being allowed?
— July 17, 2012 11:52 p.m.

Uptown Planners to Discuss Transitional Housing Facility for Combat Veterans

In the end, this issue will be decided by the City Council. Contact them and tell them to support this project.
— May 1, 2012 9:10 p.m.

Uptown Planners to Discuss Transitional Housing Facility for Combat Veterans

This is an excellent location for this much needed treatment program. It's a lovely building on a mixed-use street, close to military facilities at MCRD and stores and restaurants in Old Town. It's near the airport and freeways, so visiting family and friends will be able to get to it easily, and there are hotels nearby where they can stay. There is even a dog care facility next door that will provide companion dogs for the patients. This program is not a threat to the community. People with mild brain concussions or post-traumatic stress disorder don't go around attacking the neighbors, that's not characteristic of that type of injury. There is no reason for anyone to be afraid of them.
— May 1, 2012 3:43 p.m.