In February, Bird Rock residents heard from Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, received a progress report on a new mixed-use development, debated the fate of some problematic trees along La Jolla Boulevard and were introduced to the community’s new San Diego Police Department representative.
Rita Mahoney, of ColRich Communities, clued in Bird Rock Community Council during its monthly meeting on the two-story, ground-floor retail and upstairs condominium project, named 10 West at Bird Rock.
Construction is under way on the project site, located between La Jolla Boulevard and Bird Rock Avenue. Formerly called Bird Rock Station, the project drew strident opposition when originally proposed as three stories. The project has since been significantly reconfigured and was passed in 2013 by a unanimous vote of the Planning Commission without public opposition.
Mahoney said 10 West was purchased by ColRich “already entitled” from previous owner Michael Krambs, who retains an investment interest in the retail portion of the site.
“We will have 10 residential condominiums with 5,000 square feet of total retail space, but no restaurants,” said Mahoney, adding, “A deli serving sandwiches only, but with no kitchen, is possible.”
Condos in 10 West will range from 700 to 1,300 square feet, and the development will include a single elevator, said Mahoney, adding the project is “fully parked” for residential and retail on surface parking behind the new building.
The project will include roof decks, but Mahoney assured that “nothing will exceed 30 feet in height.”
The developer’s spokeswoman said framing is expected to begin by the end of February.
“We’re on target to have move-ins in fall of this year,” Mahoney said.
Lt. Adam Sharki was introduced as the new community liaison between Bird Rock and San Diego Police Department’s Northern Division.
“You live in a very nice neighborhood, with a lot of nice stuff,” he said, noting that that “draws people coming from other parts of town to do break-ins, burglaries, et cetera.”
The most important message Sharki had to deliver was that it’s important for people not to hesitate to call the police via the 911 emergency number if they suspect criminal activity, including door-to-door solicitors who might be “casing” the neighborhood.
“Don’t be shy about calling,” Sharki said, adding, “Somebody casing the neighborhood goes to the top of the list for calls for service.”
The way police dispatch works is that calls that come in get prioritized according to significance and timeliness, and officers will respond to those calls in descending order of importance.
District 1 rep and Council president Sherri Lightner briefed residents on what’s going on at City Hall, discussing her priorities for the coming year.
“My top priority is the fiscal year 2016 budget,” Lightner said, adding her recommendations for projects to be undertaken have been forwarded to Mayor Faulconer.
“Public safety and infrastructure are also priorities,” Lightner said, noting those suggestions include retention of police officers as well as more street resurfacing. Lightner said she’s also working on planning ways to help San Diegans find “good-paying jobs in growing sectors of the economy.”
Near the end of the meeting, a couple of neighbors complained about plans to remove a number of sycamore trees planted on medians along La Jolla Boulevard.
Group chair Jacqueline Bell said there are a number of valid reasons those trees are being replaced.
“Those trees have created some big problems with blocking lines of sight, roots lifting the pavement and have been plagued with diseases that we’ve tried to treat unsuccessfully,” Bell said, adding, “It’s also a liability issue being dangerous to pedestrians.”