Will the Jacobs Plan be back?

We thought it was behind us after Mayor Bob Filner moved ahead to remove cars from Plaza de Panama (which most everyone supported) without adding a tax burden for a parking structure and a bypass bridge which most citizens were against. But with a new mayor, will the Jacobs Plan supported by Irwin Jacobs and former Mayor Jerry Sanders (including Balboa Park’s first paid parking garage and a bypass bridge) return with the next mayor?

Opposition to the controversial Plaza de Panama plan for Balboa Park built to a groundswell in the spring of 2012 as cost estimates ballooned from $40 to $45 million in a matter of days and doubts arose over its possible completion by 2015, the centennial of the Panama-California Exposition. These serious drawbacks bolstered the public’s long-standing concerns. City boards and commissions that oversee Balboa Park and its historic resources rejected this deeply flawed vision that would forever damage Balboa Park by adding a massive bypass and other irreversible intrusions. In May 2012 the powerful Park & Recreation Board said “no”, and the following day the HRB (Historical Resources Board) unanimously rejected the project.

The Jacobs-Sanders plan also alarmed national and state preservation officials who have written the city with grave concerns maintaining that the renowned park’s unique buildings, gardens and landscapes would be so altered that their National Historic Landmark District status would be in jeopardy. The original idea grew out of decades-old dissatisfaction with vehicles parking in the Plaza de Panama, at the center of the park. No one disagreed with that goal, but most everyone believed the bypass was wrong.

Think of it…during events when the Cabrillo Bridge was closed, it would be worthless. In addition, over 30 organizations and the vast majority of San Diegans strongly argued that other plans were better, including one advanced by the League of Women Voters to move the proposed paid parking structure to Inspiration Point (along I-5 and Park Boulevard) instead of behind the Organ Pavilion.

In addition to design issues, many San Diegans maintain that the public process for vetting this complex project was hijacked by Dr. Irwin Jacobs, who threatened to withdraw his financial support if his team’s plan was not approved. The City Council (except for Sherri Lightener) supported the wishes of Dr. Jacobs, but Superior Court Judge Timothy Taylor ruled against the city. Mayoral candidate Councilman David Alvarez admits to making a mistake, but Interim Mayor Todd Gloria remains supportive of the Jacobs-Sanders Plan. Candidate Councilman Kevin Faulconer also continues to support this plan for paid parking in Balboa Park. The choice is clear.

Will the next mayor support paid parking and the bypass bridge? Not if you vote for David Alvarez.