Development projects like the one proposed for “301 University” are providing a test of the new Sanders administration. If the Planning & Development Services departments continue to claim that black is white, no one is going to believe that our city officials are concerned about infrastructure, community character, levels of service or citizens’ quality of life. In this project, we have city staff reports claiming the incredible: (1) 12 stories is completely compatible with a neighborhood of 1-3 stories; (2) a rise of 120 feet straight up from a narrow street, with no upper-floor setbacks, has no problem with scale or bulk; (3) and that added traffic is not a problem, even though Hillcrest streets are already jammed. If this nonsense continues, residents will conclude that the Mayor and his staff are merely promoters for developers, waiting to get into the private sector and reap their rewards for years of playing ball. If the staff malfeasance is not corrected, then none of the high-sounding promises about “livable communities” will be taken seriously. NO on 301 rally will be held Saturday, Sept 9 at noon. Contact Tom Mullaney, Friends of San Diego (619) 795-1753 or John Taylor (619) 997-5299. Save Hillcrest — No on 301
Stop by Column One (at 401 University Ave) to view a diorama of the proposed 301 University project. Note the westbound University Avenue go from five lanes to three as it crosses Fifth, then from three lanes two at Fourth where this building would begin. 301 University would add 96 new condominums to the heart of the ’hood. It promotes 121 new public parking spaces, but the current 60 spaces will be lost. Are 61 parking places worth the negative impact this project will create? What will 301 University do to our (ongoing and) current traffic problems compounded with a decaying infrastructure? And what about that alley? Some folks think that this is a ‘done deal.’ It’s not. City Council will vote on it on Tuesday, September 12 at 2pm. Let them know what you think.
