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Development-crazy on Chula Vista's west side
How about having the first LL Bean outlet on the West Coast where the old Leader Department store was across from the Vogue as an anchor? It would be in keeping with the sports and outdoor oriented life style of San Diego county. Or demolish the complex that houses UEI and build a one story complex whose buildings could be viewed from the street without having to wander around looking for a business. The Vogue Theater could be remodeled for digital and become a show place for film festivals, film revivals, and as venue for showcasing student films from SDSU's film school and the film schools in Tijuana.— November 4, 2015 8:41 a.m.
Development-crazy on Chula Vista's west side
As to infilling, to me it depends on the neighborhood and its physical and visual capacity to accept more density. Some areas were built with narrower streets and smaller buildings and lots as befits that time period. From what I have seen in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Chula Vista, the results are not positive for the existing residents. When modern planning severed its roots with geography it lost its spatial component and understanding of the vernacular landscape ( I have a MA in Geography from SDSU). Also, planning departments depend on whether there in revenue recovery mode ( pay their own way) or part of the general fund ( an expense). I do not know whether CV's Planning Department is in revenue recovery mode or what ever it is now called when it is self supporting. I believe this part of the problem with urban planning as it seems more jargon ridden than intellectually developed. As to a middle way, I think if it were not for the presence of millions of dollars and if there was a real desire to accommodate growth and preserve neighborhood and commercial area distinctiveness, a way could be developed.I t would take a sincere effort of citizens, government, and academic involvement over years based upon data and visual perceptions which permits changes to the the organic quality of changing urban area. In addition, Chula Vista is nearing the physical limits of commercially praciticable real estate development. As to parks, people used to use school yards for recreation, I know I did. That might be while there are fewer parks in some areas.— November 1, 2015 3:02 p.m.
Development-crazy on Chula Vista's west side
I believe that the floor area ratios are among other planning tools that can be positive, but I found them as one of the methods to justify a decision that has been already made. The planning model at present is densification to avoid sprawl. I believe we have sprawl and will get densification unless there is a massive reform movement. The "Gateway" building at H Street and Third Avenue is a failure and ugly, but real estate development interest will still keep pitching the ancient idea residential living over businesses as new and the thing to do.— October 30, 2015 4:22 p.m.
Development-crazy on Chula Vista's west side
My branch bank is at Third Avenue and K and I go there at different times on different days. You are in gross error on this matter.— October 30, 2015 4:16 p.m.
Development-crazy on Chula Vista's west side
There is very little variety in the types of stores and in their inventories whether it is in the Chula Vista Center mall, Third Avenue, or Plaza Bonita. Until there is commitment by landlords and shopping center lessors to focus on unique and local businesses with a variety of inventories, and non national franchisees or chains, there is no reason to shop locally. The question is why shop in area, seems not to be asked. I remember when Third Avenue was vibrant and had mix of national chain, regional chain, and small business ownership. I realize that this is civic and business model that is for the present views as quaint and outmoded model for for an especially insecurity, publicity craving city directed by mental and emotional elected, appointed, and civil service Lilliputians. As to the planning policies, I interned with Chula Vista Department in the 1980s and worked as a student intern ( a way to be paid for learning whether I wanted to be a planner) at San Diego County Department of Planning and Land Use. Rich Zumwalt was a nice man, but planners do what is the area's policies and politicians want through exceptions, deviations, General Plan Amendment and mostly through the pressure from their department supervisors, council members and other politicos.— October 30, 2015 4:13 p.m.
Only a fence between them
Wrong! Susan Luzzaro has been of a beacon of light for all those who have fought for years to have open government and educational fairness for all. Charter schools are a problem as they receive public money with very little or no accountability. Education that receives public money should go toward public schools. Having attending schools of the Chula Vista Elementary School District and Sweetwater Union High School District, the structure is just fine while the governance has been rotten. If people want a K-12 unified school district approach, they can begin the very lengthy process of combining elementary and secondary schools.. Hopefully it would be based on non geographical boundaries as those based on geographical boundaries can be and have been vehicles for politicians power grabs.— February 25, 2015 9:42 a.m.
Only a fence between them
Right on!!!— February 25, 2015 9:29 a.m.
Don't mess with Texas' labor pool
Your opinions have always hit the mark with me.— January 30, 2015 9:21 a.m.
Don't mess with Texas' labor pool
Your are the real cost has been paid by teachers, students, and staff who have had to exist in this toxic environment.— January 30, 2015 9:20 a.m.
Don't mess with Texas' labor pool
Your idea should be followed as it would help end the old partners in grime structure and provide more accountability and openness in addressing the problems and activities that anniej, eastlaker, oldchulares, and you have been writing about for long time!— January 30, 2015 9:18 a.m.