I would like to thank Trish Hausman for writing her letter to the editor, “New housing units affront to O.B. entryway” (10-4-07) and also for attending the Planning Committee meeting downtown and speaking against the proposed development at 4824-4836 West Pt. Loma Ave.
I, too, am opposed to this project, not only because of its bulk and scale but also because it requires demolishing two nearly 100-year-old homes.
I also feel these are a part of our history and heritage and should be saved. I attended an Ocean Beach Planning Board meeting and suggested to the board that they look at these, not necessarily as historic on their own merit, but as contributors to our historic district. The board split ” five for approval, five against.
We are recognized as a historic district due in large part to the creation of the Ocean Beach Historic Cottage Program by longtime resident, Realtor and community activist Priscilla McCoy. This is a program you can apply for if you own a pre-1930 cottage that fits certain criteria.
If accepted, the owner can benefit from the Mills Act, which, in turn, means a reduction in property taxes. This aids in the effort to save the historic cottages from demolition or remodeling beyond recognition.
This program, along with our planning board and community plan (the first in the city of San Diego by the way, something we should be proud of) should help us avoid bad planning and unwanted development and retain the character of Ocean Beach.
I think awareness is key. If more residents knew and paid attention to the proposed projects they would attend the planning board meetings, find out what is going on and voice an opinion. In my mind, it should be the residents of Ocean Beach who decide what the future look and feel of our community should be, not developers who are cashing in at the expense of our community.