Councilmember Donna Frye and neighborhood residents joined Stephen Whitburn at the demolition site for the proposed Kensington Terrace development today for the unveiling of his “Neighborhood Right-to-Know Plan.” Whitburn said he was honored to stand with open government champion Donna Frye, as well as other San Diegans concerned with development impacts in older communities, for the announcement of the plan. “For too long, residents of many Mid-City communities have been the last to know about major development projects coming to their neighborhoods. My Neighborhood Right-to-Know Plan will help ensure neighbors are among the first to know about proposed changes to their community character – not the last.”
The core elements include:
1. Expanded Noticing Requirements for Development Projects – Right now neighborhoods get a perfunctory notice sent only to residents within 300 feet of the project.
2. City Hall in the Neighborhoods – Too often key development decisions are made during the day downtown at City Hall. Stephen wants the decision makers to go to the community more often.
3. More Public Review of Projects – Under no circumstances should any discretionary development projects go forward without at least a 90-day review period so that residents can determine the impacts of significant developments on their communities and work to develop ways to mitigate those impacts.
4. An Automatic 30-Day Review Period for Demolition of Potentially Historic Properties – Many District 3 residents have seen historic or potentially historic properties demolished overnight, without any public review, after an “over-the-counter” demolition permit is issued by the city. Stephen’s plan will require that Development Services Department staff hold any approvals of demolition or significant remodeling permits impacting properties 45 years old or older, for at least 30 days to assure the chance to review the proposal.
Councilmember Donna Frye said, “Stephen Whitburn has a proven record of fighting for neighborhoods and standing for reform. He has the integrity we need at City Hall – and the experience to hit the ground running and get things done.” Whitburn said that as our Councilmember, he will introduce the Neighborhood Right-to-Know Plan as one of his first acts after being sworn into office. He also pledged to work with both residents and community groups throughout District 3 to identify additional areas where the development process at City Hall is broken and needs to be fixed.
