Here's something you might be interested in.
I was wandering around the internet looking for information on "affordable" housing in San Diego. I noticed a news article on the proposed Senior Center. This is the opening paragraph:
"DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO — A charity's plan to create a cutting-edge senior center in downtown San Diego is faltering because the city's downtown redevelopment agency wants to see a bigger building there instead."
This link will connect you to the whole story:
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/21/1m21senior003235-ccdc-puts-deal-doubt/?metro
Just out of curiosity, will everyone who wants another highrise building in San Diego please raise their hands? Aren't there enough vacant condos, empty commercial spaces, lack of affordable housing, etc. to make someone STOP & THINK????
I do realize that CCDC and friends are supposed to have some expertise in redevelopment and that I am merely one voice that sees things from the perspective of a downtown resident, but someone needs to speak up. Those who know me are probably laughing at that because I have never had a problem with "speaking up"!!!!!
There is another project proposal for the southeast corner of Broadway & 9th. A 16 story building with 230 "affordable & supportive housing units". And again, my favorite part of ALL projects, the always questionable ground floor retail space. This one is 5000 square feet. What exactly is "supportive" housing?
I think it would be interesting for someone at CCDC, CCAC, PIP, Planning commission, and/or City Council, to produce the current numbers regarding the EMPTY retail or commercial space on the ground floor of the completed projects, projects underway, & proposed projects. I do not know which agency would have this information.
In addition to those spaces, there are many empty spaces in other buildings, mainly from failed businesses. Although it does seem that 7/11 is doing its "civic duty" and opening several stores in the downtown area.
I do have another question for anyone who can provide an answer: what the heck is going on with the Federal Courthouse project? From a Reflections Newsletter, 2001: "It seems that an empty dirt lot on Broadway with a fence around it will be much more attractive."
People were tossed out of one of the much needed SRO's and that building stood vacant for 5 years or so. In 2005, the feds finally had the "implosion" party. The big ole dirt hole surrounded by that beautiful fencing has been there, untouched, ever since.
And, of course, the biggest eyesore in this loverly City, the California Theatre remains unscathed. Does the Health Department have any jurisdiction in regards to old structures? The place smells awful and, pardon my language, is likely overrun with rotting human excrement. If the City can declare blight in much nicer areas, why not here? Historical or not, that building is NOT worth saving. If the feds can tear down an historical building, why can't the City???
So long
I was wandering around the internet looking for information on "affordable" housing in San Diego. I noticed a news article on the proposed Senior Center. This is the opening paragraph:
"DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO — A charity's plan to create a cutting-edge senior center in downtown San Diego is faltering because the city's downtown redevelopment agency wants to see a bigger building there instead."
This link will connect you to the whole story:
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/21/1m21senior003235-ccdc-puts-deal-doubt/?metro
Just out of curiosity, will everyone who wants another highrise building in San Diego please raise their hands? Aren't there enough vacant condos, empty commercial spaces, lack of affordable housing, etc. to make someone STOP & THINK????
I do realize that CCDC and friends are supposed to have some expertise in redevelopment and that I am merely one voice that sees things from the perspective of a downtown resident, but someone needs to speak up. Those who know me are probably laughing at that because I have never had a problem with "speaking up"!!!!!
There is another project proposal for the southeast corner of Broadway & 9th. A 16 story building with 230 "affordable & supportive housing units". And again, my favorite part of ALL projects, the always questionable ground floor retail space. This one is 5000 square feet. What exactly is "supportive" housing?
I think it would be interesting for someone at CCDC, CCAC, PIP, Planning commission, and/or City Council, to produce the current numbers regarding the EMPTY retail or commercial space on the ground floor of the completed projects, projects underway, & proposed projects. I do not know which agency would have this information.
In addition to those spaces, there are many empty spaces in other buildings, mainly from failed businesses. Although it does seem that 7/11 is doing its "civic duty" and opening several stores in the downtown area.
I do have another question for anyone who can provide an answer: what the heck is going on with the Federal Courthouse project? From a Reflections Newsletter, 2001: "It seems that an empty dirt lot on Broadway with a fence around it will be much more attractive."
People were tossed out of one of the much needed SRO's and that building stood vacant for 5 years or so. In 2005, the feds finally had the "implosion" party. The big ole dirt hole surrounded by that beautiful fencing has been there, untouched, ever since.
And, of course, the biggest eyesore in this loverly City, the California Theatre remains unscathed. Does the Health Department have any jurisdiction in regards to old structures? The place smells awful and, pardon my language, is likely overrun with rotting human excrement. If the City can declare blight in much nicer areas, why not here? Historical or not, that building is NOT worth saving. If the feds can tear down an historical building, why can't the City???
So long