San Diego City Council Approves Controversial Housing Development

News Summary

The San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to approve a controversial 23-home development in the Encanto neighborhood, sparking debate over its ties to the now-repealed Footnote 7 policy. Critics express concern about the impact on low-income, predominantly Black communities as legal constraints prevent the council from rejecting the project. Residents voice frustration over promises of park development and community trust issues. Stakeholders emphasize the need for clarity in planning processes amid challenges in affordable housing development.

San Diego – On Tuesday, the San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to approve a controversial 23-home development project in the Encanto neighborhood. The decision has sparked significant debate due to its connection to a now-repealed policy, Footnote 7, which has been criticized for its historical implications primarily affecting low-income and predominantly Black communities.

The council’s approval comes after it was revealed the development adhered to regulations that were in place prior to the repeal of Footnote 7 in April. This policy had previously allowed for the reduction of minimum lot sizes from 20,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet for designated parcels in Encanto and Emerald Hills, enabling denser developments in neighborhoods that critics say were specifically targeted due to their demographic makeup.

Councilmember Henry Foster, who opposed the project, expressed frustration at the lack of legal grounds to reject it under current law. Other council members echoed this sentiment, indicating that state law prohibits retroactively applying new ordinances to developments that were already in progress prior to their enactment. Deputy City Attorney Leslie Fitzgerald clarified that the city must adhere to the development standards from the time of the project’s initial approval.

The development site spans 5.7 acres on Klauber Drive, located near Broadway and Radio Drive. Residents in the area have expressed their discontent, claiming they had been assured that the land would be transformed into a neighborhood park instead of being developed into housing. This development not only raises concerns among residents about land use but also about the implications of community trust in local planning processes.

Opposition to the project was voiced strongly by council members Joe LaCava and Raul Campillo, with Campillo highlighting that the benefits stemming from the now-repealed Footnote 7 should not be recognized. Despite these objections and concerns related to potential wildfire risks and the property’s slope, the council ultimately did not possess sufficient votes to prevent the project from moving forward.

Key stakeholders, including Victoria LaBruzzo, chair of the Community Planners Committee, criticized the Planning Department for its lack of clarity regarding Footnote 7 and its consequences. LaBruzzo warned that the council’s decision could damage public confidence in the city’s planning processes, potentially leading to broader implications for development across various neighborhoods.

This situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding affordable housing development in San Diego, particularly in communities like Encanto that have often been disadvantaged. Councilmember Foster has previously advocated for changes to the city’s policies surrounding alternative dwelling units (ADUs), aiming to ensure that large projects are not introduced to neighborhoods without adequate community feedback.

The council’s recent decision reflects a complex intersection of historical policies, current housing needs, and community desires. As the city grapples with the challenge of accommodating growth while respecting neighborhood concerns, similar decisions may arise in the future given the existing pipeline of ADU project applications. Activists and community members continue to push for a more transparent and participatory approach to urban development in San Diego.

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Additional Resources

• San Diego Union-Tribune: Council Approves Housing Development
• CBS 8: San Diego City to Pay for Policy Change
• The Mesa Tribune: Church Plans Housing Development
• Times of San Diego: Council Repeals Housing Minimum Lot Size
• Wikipedia: Affordable Housing in the United States