There is now a fight going on to preserve Kellogg Beach in Point Loma. A group of Peninsulans are opposing a proposed condo conversion on the “hidden” bayside beach. That has led to creation of a Facebook page listing subterranean parking, a seawall and the possible blocking of public access and bay views as major concerns about the project.
Between a petition to save the beach on change.org, plus hand-collected signatures, nearly 4,000 people have registered their opposition in the past seven months to the coastal condo redevelopment.
“We’ve also established a GoFundMe.com account to help defray expenses in the fight to save the beach,” said Robert Tripp Jackson, a past president of the Point Loma Association, speaking on his own behalf.
Noting a “Save The Beach” account has been set up at Home Street Savings Bank on Rosecrans Street, Jackson added, “A coalition with four high-profile Peninsulans is being set up to oppose condos on the beach.”
Characterizing some aspects of the proposed beach condo redevelopment as “scary,” Jackson said underground parking, among other proposed changes, “would be extremely detrimental to that long stretch of beach, which has already suffered considerably from erosion, that is at least half a block long.
Described by some as Point Loma’s “hidden beach,” Kellogg, also known as Mother’s, is located behind Shelter Island in the La Playa area. It is a family beach and a popular area for boat watching.
The proposed condo conversion project, which fronts at 405 San Antonio Ave., was an information item at Peninsula Community Planning Board on Jan. 19. Project architect Mike Morton described the project site as being in a medium-density area surrounded by large, multi-family units and five single-family homes along the beachfront at the end of Lawrence Street.
“The project allows 13 to 20 units and we are proposing nine,” said Morton. “Rather than having a bulky building, we’re breaking it down into five smaller buildings. There will be underground parking with 21 spaces.”
The La Jolla architect noted project amenities would include sustainable landscaping and use of photovoltaic (solar) power, along with an open view corridor and two elevators. He added the project takes into account anticipated future sea-level rise.
Peninsulan Howard Haimsohn, who is in the forefront of opposition to the condo redevelopment, noted this isn’t your garden-variety project because of its location.
“This is what’s considered to be a coastal beach,” said Haimsohn. “That is a significant issue because San Diego municipal codes do not allow you to build new development on coastal beach property. Coastal beaches have very special restrictions in place to protect the public’s interests and rights when it comes to beachfront property.”
Haimsohn stressed public opposition to the proposed Kellogg Beach condo redevelopment isn’t personal.
“We are not trying to restrict the developer’s rights to build,” he said. “What we are trying to do is make sure every concern of the California Coastal Commission and the city’s Development Services Department and all the various environmental agencies are met. We want to make sure everyone is heard clearly on this, and that all the codes are strictly adhered to. That’s the public’s expectation — and right. That’s the main focus of what we’re trying to do.” Learn More – The Save The Beach petition is on change.org. – Visit www.gofundme.com/save-kellogg-beach.