I have been truly humbled by the support and endorsements of my neighbors in University City in my successful bid for re-election to the University Community Planning Group. There was an unprecedented turnout for the election, which is a testament to residents’ vested interest in and commitment to our community. When 1,493 people take the time to come out, stand in line and vote, everyone wins. I want to personally thank every single resident for participating, I want to thank Dana May for running a clean campaign, and I want all to know I heard your voice.
Many of us have been excited and impressed to see North UC grow and develop into a major employment hub for San Diego, but unbridled development is harmful to the thousands of residents, and I will stand up for residents’ interests in the face of unwarranted proposals to further increase density in North UC.
UC residents have been polarized over the bridge and Genesee widening issue, yet traffic on Genesee Avenue actually is about the same as it was in 1987. There are far more important issues before us, such as proposals for much greater density in North UC, including a number of downtown-like high-rises. Improvements at the Genesee/I-5 bridge are urgently needed. As for the Regents Road bridge versus Genesee widening, both projects are the subject of an ongoing Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The UCPG and community will take a long hard look at the final EIR when it is released, presumably this spring. I promise to hold a well-publicized public forum once the EIR is released.
University City continues to be in the eye of the storm. We collectively face BIG issues: the proposed joint use of MCAS Miramar, many controversial proposals for new development, and the need for fire stations in North and South UC, as well as the need to preserve and protect our diminishing environment.
The concern over emergency services is a valid one, and the only real solution is to build a fire station in South UC and one or two in North UC. The UCPG has made significant progress toward getting them into the planning pipeline.
I have demonstrated my commitment to UC and I will continue to show leadership and concern for the wide range of issues that affect the quality of life in our community.
It is time for University City residents to unite to protect and preserve the unique character our community. It is time to start building consensus. It is time to come together as one voice because we all have one thing in common, we love UC!
“” Linda N. Colley
Linda N. Colley is the newly re-elected chair of the University Community Planning Group, and Resident 1 Representative. She can be reached at [email protected]