Two proposed developments at Walnut on Fifth are providing a vision (or nightmare) of what could be the future of our community since the result of the type and scale of development in question will destroy Hillcrest’s identity and make it a mere extension of downtown. The Hillcrest Town Council voted overwhelmingly at its last meeting to support the proposed interim 65-foot height limitation, which would remain in effect until the Uptown Community Pan (now almost two decades old) is updated.
The 14-story highrise proposed on the east side of Fifth (see May 17) would contain 16 units and is being marketed as luxury living with a panoramic view. It would overshadow the surrounding two to four-story neighborhood. But, this project is dwarfed by what is proposed on the west side of the street (APEX) with over 200 units extending the full block from Walnut to Brookes. On Thursday (May 24th) I met with these developers. To their credit they now understand that Hillcrest has concerns and have taken their initial project off the table. Instead, they will come to the Uptown Planners meeting on Tuesday, August 7th and begin a community discussion re: what would be more appropriate on this site.
The developers also know about the need to preserve an attractive Spanish style bungalow court in the block. Several months ago, the underlying owner obtained a demolition permit to destroy the bungalows. This was prevented by the outstanding work of Janet O’Dea, who chairs the Historic Resources Subcommittee of Uptown Planners. She challenged the demolition permit and saved the court. The developers now appear ready to preserve the historic bungalows, and will build their project in a manner that will complement the existing architecture.
What is disturbing about these developments is what they forebode for the future. Is every new development in Hillcrest now going to be 14 stories? Will our history, and the heart of San Diego’s LGBT community, be obliterated in glass/steel highrise jungles? In particular, I would request Councilmember Toni Atkins take a position in favor of preserving the historic and cultural integrity of Hillcrest.
Leo Wilson, Uptown resident
