Thread: San Diego O.K.s Mission Valley for 50,000 additional residents

Mission Valley OK’d for massive overhaul

[This is a view looking northwest. The west end of Mission Valley and the San Diego River will be populated with pedestrian and bicycle paths among all of the other improvements planned in the Mission Valley Community Plan.
(John Gibbins/The San Diego Union-Tribune)


San Diego City Council adopts new community plan that rezones the entire region, and allows for more housing and commercial development near transit

By JENNIFER VAN GROVE
SEP. 10, 2019 7:09 PM

City leaders have set in motion a 30-year plan for Mission Valley that flips the region’s focus from its roads to the San Diego River and the trolley system. It simultaneously creates room for 50,000 additional residents and 7 million more square feet of commercial development.

Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt the Mission Valley Community Plan Update and certify the associated environmental impact report. The approval is the last needed in a process that dates to 2015, when city planners first teamed with community members to come up with a new framework for Mission Valley. The land-use and policy document also cleared without a hiccup the city’s Land Use & Housing Committee and the Planning Commission earlier in the summer.

The updated document replaces a plan that was adopted in 1985 and contributed to the town’s highly commercial, auto-centric character. The overhauled version organizes the region around the San Diego River, which flows horizontally through Mission Valley. The plan also divides the town into four so-called “urban villages,” with residential and commercial activity at its peak in the central and eastern areas.

Council members applauded the plan for its approach to housing and commercial space alongside mass transit.

“I’m a big believer in local planning, that San Diego should control what happens in our neighborhoods, not Sacramento. I think today is a poster child for why San Diego should be in charge of what happens in our city,” said Councilwoman Barbara Bry, who is also running for mayor. “This (plan) will probably used in city planning classes around the country. It’s really terrific.”

The approach accommodates as many as 28,000 additional housing units by 2050 through a comprehensive rezoning process that will see much of the area designated as “mixed use.” The designation is an all-new, citywide zone that local planners say will make projects easier to build, increase housing near jobs and transit, and promote alternative modes of transportation. The zone type, for instance, requires developers to incorporate pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly amenities, such as pathways to transit and park spaces.

The community’s residential population is anticipated to balloon by 248 percent from 20,800 people in 2012 to 72,400 people in 2050, according to the plan.

“We want to make sure that the development that comes forward is very thoughtfully designed,” said Nancy Graham, who led the city’s planning effort.

Graham spoke of the city’s desire to break up large blocks with pedestrian walkways, and highlighted the plan’s attention to bicycle infrastructure.


In addition, the plan identifies new parks, a couple of roads, more than a handful of bridges, two recreation centers and an aquatics center, although financing remains to be determined.


[GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Can Mission Valley handle 50,000 more residents?

Sep. 8, 2019

Parts of the policy document received pushback from community members and businesses, but they were ultimately overruled.

Mission Valley property owners south of Interstate 8, for instance, were unable to persuade the council to reconsider the zoning of that region, which is designated as entirely commercial because of its limited access to transit. John Hine of John Hine Mazda and Jim Brown of Marvin K. Brown Auto Center said they want to redevelop their parcels with some housing. The newly adopted plan, however, will require the dealership owners to pursue a plan amendment for residential use.

In addition, the San Diego River Park Foundation objected to two new streets in the western portion of town that would cross or follow the river. The roads are called for in the plan and included in the proposed redevelopment of the Riverwalk golf course. That project, which is currently going through its environmental review process, proposes 4,300 residential units, 152,000 square feet of retail, 1 million square feet of office space and 106 acres of open space.

Meanwhile, an expected 43 percent jump in total vehicle miles traveled per day in the area by 2050 — from 1.65 million miles per day to 2.36 million miles per day — did not appear to be a roadblock for community members, nor was it of concern to council members. That’s in part because city planners believe the plan can create a balance between the number of people who live and work in the area, which should reduce the number of miles traveled per person.

The plan also lays the framework for new two north-south bridges over the river, one through the Riverwalk project and the other at Fenton Parkway.

“The bridges are extremely important,” said Councilman Scott Sherman, whose district includes Mission Valley. “Going north and south, that’s what causes a lot of the gridlock because there’s not a lot of places to do that across the river. ... I need those connectors. The valley needs those connectors.”

The Mission Valley Community Plan Update also makes room for the redevelopment of the SDCCU Stadium site, which is currently owned by the city.

San Diego State University is negotiating with the city to acquire 132 acres of the property and is in the midst of a separate planning process for the site.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com...ssive-overhaul

DISGUSTING!

Beautiful Mission Valley...overpopulated.

No water, drought, packed freeways, living like ants in an ant farm

California is destroyed.

San Diego River Trail - Hazard Center, Mission Valley...
hikingsdcounty.com

DO YOU LIVE THERE JD2???

Originally Posted by Beezer

DO YOU LIVE THERE JD2???

I live within 1 mile of the river.


[GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Can Mission Valley handle 50,000 more residents?

New community plan refocuses the region around walking, biking and the San Diego River

Sep. 8, 2019

RELATED

DEC. 1, 2010
Construction starts on Mission Valley's largest development

What a shame, 50,000 more people overcrowding San Diego and destroying that beautiful city. Traffic, road rage. That is why I left.




Meanwhile...in San Diego, full of homeless, feces, needles, urine and tents

Top 10 Reasons to Live in San Diego

BY GINA TARNACKI
Updated 07/20/19

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Gina Tarnacki / Trip Savvy

San Diego is the land of surf and sun and its laidback attitude. The multitude of hiking trails, gorgeous beaches, and booming culinary and beer scene, inspire people from all over the United States—and even the world—to pack up their belongings and head west. Here are the top 10 reasons to live in San Diego and why you might want to make a similar journey (or already have).

(Nearly) Perfect Weather

This is a big one! San Diego has the most temperate weather in the United States. Even nearby Los Angeles (LA) can’t boast the same as it doesn’t get as much of the coastal breeze that keeps San Diego from getting too hot. With most days hovering right around 70 degrees, it’s never too cold or too hot. And when it does sometimes creep into the 80s and 90s in August and September, everyone heads to the beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Live by the Sand and Salt

Ah, the beaches. San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the United States. The city’s wide, soft, sandy beaches are packed in the summer months when the tourists flock to San Diego. In winter, however, the beaches are often refreshingly uncluttered of people and residents can go for peaceful walks along the shoreline or surf some waves without worrying about running into a rogue boogie boarder or swimmer. The Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego also provides excellent waves for surfing and calm areas ideal for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding and other ocean activities.

Craft Beer Scene

The craft beer scene in San Diego is one of the best in the world. From the elite Stone Brewing Company and its bountiful beer gardens to tasting-room-in-a-garage breweries like Lost Abbey and Stumblefoot Brewing Company. Plus find just about every type of brewery you can imagine in between. You’re bound to find a new favorite beer, especially one of the hoppy IPAs San Diego is known for.

Excellent Restaurants

Suggest going to dinner to a chain restaurant like Applebee’s or TGI Fridays to a San Diegan and don’t be surprised if they wrinkle their nose in disgust and give you a “what’s wrong with you?” look. With so many excellent independent restaurants in San Diego, most residents make it a favorite pastime to continue to try new ones every weekend. But while still making sure to visit their favorites (Mamma Mia, The Patio, Alexander’s on 30^th and the list goes on). San Diego is also home to the world’s best fish tacos.

tiffanynguyen / Getty Images

Nature and Hiking

San Diego is home to a plethora of scenic hiking trails. For ocean views, head to Torrey Pines in Del Mar, while those who like to challenge themselves can head up to Potato Chip Rock in Poway and take in the high, panoramic views. San Elijo Hills also has several hiking trails, including a trail up to Double Peak, which is the highest point in San Diego County.

Outdoor Living

The houses are small in San Diego (unless you have lots and lots of money), but no one is too bothered by it. Why do you need square footage when you want to be outside enjoying the incredible weather, anyway? Patios become living rooms in San Diego, and grilling is a favorite American pastime that can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the weather.

Danita Delimont / Getty Images

Vibrant and Laidback Nightlife

Whether you want dive bars or clubs, you can find it in San Diego. Even the most high-end establishments are refreshingly unpretentious, and most carry local beers on tap. The Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is where you want to head for Vegas-style clubs and dancing. Laidback Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are known for their beachy dive bars and young crowd. Ritzy La Jolla and Del Mar are two communities to head to when you’re looking for a more sophisticated night out with a glass of wine or old-fashioned cocktail in mind.

Fun Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

San Diego is in close proximity to some great getaways. Head two hours northeast to Big Bear Mountain for some snowboarding or skiing in the winter. In the fall, drive an hour east to Julian for some excellent apple pie and cider. During the summer, try out some new beaches in LA or head up the coast a bit farther north to do some wine tasting in the prestigious Santa Ynez Valley.

Twenty-five miles to the south, there is Mexico, full of a wide range of activities, whether you want to brave Tijuana or hop on a quick flight to Cabo.

L. Toshio Kishiyama / Getty Images

Museums and That Famous Zoo

San Diego has a host of museums to keep you busy and cultured. From museum-heavy Balboa Park to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, you can find art, history, science, and more. When you want to study wildlife, head to the famous San Diego Zoo. Many San Diegans with families get year-round passes to the zoo; the pass is surprisingly affordable and provides kids with a day of entertainment. San Diego Zoo is also one of the prettiest zoos in the world to walk around thanks to a plethora of vegetation and smart landscaping.

Flip-Flops and T-Shirt Lifestyle

It sounds reminiscent of a Katy Perry song, but flip-flops and tank tops are the go-to attire in San Diego. Casual comfort is key when assembling your wardrobe. Except for a few clubs in the Gaslamp and a couple of top restaurants in La Jolla, you can get away with wearing flip-flops pretty much anywhere, and no one will raise an eyebrow. Yoga pants and sweatshirts (albeit surf-inspired ones) are also completely acceptable for wearing around town while running errands.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/why-live-in-san-diego-2937449

California Needs 3.5 Million New Homes by 2025