Several dozen residents attended the May meeting for Hillcrest residents at Joyce Beers Community Center last evening from 6:30-8pm. HBA director Ben Nicholls gave a presentation on the Uptown Street Car. A motion was unanimously passed supporting the concept of linking Downtown San Diego through Bankers Hill to Hillcrest with the creation of a “Portland Style” Streetcar. Theu suggested name is the Uptown Streetcar. The organization supports hiring a transportation planning firm to study the feasibility and benefits of installing a streetcar and to conduct an analysis of options to finance the streetcar. Informal vote: lobby Hillcrest Parking for free/cheaper meter rates vs. more meters. Vote for free parking passed unanimously. The HTC tabled a motion to remove meters. Discussion and a vote will be held at the Tuesday, June 8th meeting.
Co. Supervisor candidate Stephen Whitburn explained his frustrations with current board – five conservatives who have been in office for at least 16 years each. Stephen thinks there should be at least one progressive voice. He thinks the board is doing a bad job with three areas that the county is tasked with managing: (1) Overseeing social services (not being provided very well) (2) Development in County Land (excessive) and (3) Public Safety (no fire department). The free “social responsibility” signs were a big hit. Several “Be a good neighbor. Pick up after your pooch” were picked up. The next clean-up will be May 29th from 9am-noon. Meet at the Hillcrest Shell at Washington & Fourth. All volunteers will receive a free drink at Urban Mo’s. A dumpster will be available for community use.
Next NIC meeting will discuss suggestions for bike rack locations. SDPD Officer Dave Surwilo reported a rash of burglaries in University Heights – 20 in one month. No forced entry. Be sure to lock doors and shut windows! LION awards were presented to Bob Grinchuk (above) for the Hillcrest MAD & Nancy Moors and Ben Nicholls of the HBA for trash & sidewalk clean-up. Santa Fe Court apartments at 3953 Centre were honored with a third Let’s Improve Our Neighborhood (LION) award.
