High-profile protest of a new condo development by many Roseville residents fearing that it exceeds the 30-foot coastal height limit has had its desired effect: temporarily placing the project on hold.
On June 28, following a June 25 community protest on the site of the development at the corner of Emerson and Evergreen streets, and an impromptu town hall-style meeting June 27 attended by 200-plus residents at UPSES Social Hall, the mayor and Council District 2’s offices issued a joint statement.
“Mayor Faulconer and Councilmember Lorie Zapf strongly support the coastal height limit and protecting coastal views,” said mayor spokesman Craig Gustafson. “Further review of the Municipal Code has determined that this project does not conform to the City’s development regulations. The City has issued a stop work order on the project to ensure it follows all codes and regulations.”
In a separate statement, Zapf noted, “I believe this project is contrary to the intent and integrity of Proposition D (coastal 30-foot height limit passed in 1972). It allows the manipulation of grade on a lot known to be relatively flat, to achieve greater overall height. That is in question.”
Zapf added she’s requested the City Attorney’s office to render an opinion on the development’s legality.
At issue is Emerson Street Duplexes, currently under construction at 3144 Emerson St. near Evergreen. The project calls for construction of two, three-story duplexes with garages beneath a total of four dwelling units.
Zoning on the property allows up to 19 dwelling units on a single, or consolidated lot. However, a substantial amount of neighbors are convinced the project exceeds the 30-foot height limit, arguing the extra height amounts to a “fourth story” and is yet another example of developers using loopholes to circumvent height limitations.
Emerson condo project criticism has come from other quarters as well.
“The Point Loma Association will stand by our community and the Peninsula Community Planning Board (spearheading opposition),” said Robert (Tripp) Jackson, the nonprofit’s immediate past president.
Claiming the condo project has “blindsided” the Roseville community, Jackson pointed out, “This wasn’t the spirit of the law, code and process that protects our communities. It’s in the best interest of everyone that this (project) pauses, and we lay out all the cards and review the entire situation. We have a commitment to reevaluate language and close ‘loopholes’ where needed. … This is a big deal for the Peninsula and the Coast. We are in a 10-year building cycle and need to keep our eyes open.”
PCPB chair Jon Linney pointed out the city’s stop-work order followed quickly on the heels of organized public outcry over the allegedly oversized condo structure.
“We were called to a meeting of the mayor’s office where there were more than 20 different city officials,” Linney said adding, “The mayor has told us he’s going to fix this loophole. We’re pleased about that, and that work has halted on construction. We hope that Mayor Faulconer puts a stop to any future projects like this in the city of San Diego.”