Local residents worry that city proposals to increase density will harm neighborhood character, while the city is touting ‘smart growth’ as the goal.

San Diego residents are raising concerns about potential zoning reforms aimed at increasing density and housing construction in the College Area neighborhood. As Omari Fleming writes, “New zoning rules could allow property owners to tear down traditional single-family neighborhood homes and put up three to five-story apartment complexes right next door.” According to the article, “Since at least 2020, members of the College Area Planning Board have been working with city planners to develop a vision for what they call "smart growth" in the area.”
Planners proposed two plans, both of which are facing opposition from local residents. “Neighbors say the Grand Boulevards plan is bad because it adds 10,000 new housing units to the area, while the 15-Minute plan is worse because it adds 20,000 and is based on outdated SANDAG growth projections.”
In a classic NIMBY argument, critics fear that rising property values will prompt local homeowners to sell to developers. “A city spokesperson told NBC 7 the two plans are part of a survey for the College Area Community Plan update to get feedback about the location and scale of new homes in the area. They said there will be more surveys and opportunities for input before public hearings begin in the spring of 2023.”
FULL STORY: Rezoning in College Area Could Clear Way for High-Density Buildings

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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