Renovation would set bad precedent
A proposed renovation of a residence at 5166 West Point Loma Blvd. in Ocean Beach would have severe and irreversible impacts on our neighborhood. In addition to having impacts on the ecosystem and devastating effects on our neighborhood, it is irresponsible construction that will set a future scenario for potential litigation against the city of San Diego.
The project is not a new concept for the neighborhood. Several times in the past, either people or parties have proposed similar projects for developing the 5100 block of West Point Loma. The applicant himself has attempted more than once to get an approval on a renovation to no avail. The Ocean Beach Planning Board (OBPB) rejected the proposals, both times with a conflicted 4-4 vote.
This proposed construction would request a 7-foot variance from the Base Flood Elevation in an area known for flooding and issues with storm drains.
The applicant wishes to build a large garage and basement under a massive, three-story residence that reaches to the maximum height of 30 feet. His justification for building under the flood plan depends on a yet to be seen concept of architecture/engineering that will purportedly keep that garage/basement from flooding.
Clearly, this is irresponsible if we allow this project to be built. The applicant will be long gone when a certain flood event occurs, as he openly proclaimed himself a property developer in the public hearing of the San Diego Planning Commission on Feb. 8.
To say that this construction will not have impacts on the environment is also not thorough or logical. Digging 7 feet into the flood plane is an impact on the environment. These homes are only steps to the beach.
This ruling will set the standard for the entire block of 5100 West Point Loma. The people who live, work, play and vote here in Ocean Beach are concerned with how this will lead to the certain destruction of our beach neighborhood. This neighborhood is one of the last known spots on the California coast where working-class people can still afford to live near the beach. A positive vote on this project will lead to the certain dislocation of more than 30 constituents. Our neighborhood would be just another cookie-cutter version of South Mission or Pacific Beach, where the houses are extremely close and you can’t even smell the spray from the jetty unless you are a rock star.
Please don’t allow our neighborhood to be destroyed by big construction “” what grounds would the Planning Commission have in turning down a large developer after they approve this project? A single approval would establish a precedent for the entire area, not just the homes on this block of West Point Loma Boulevard.

Landry Watson, Ocean Beach

Coastal height limit story well done
I want to thank The Beacon sincerely for the article on the 30-foot height limit on the front page (The Peninsula Beacon, Feb. 22). I think The Beacon did the community a great service, in the grand tradition of what is best about journalism, by presenting the facts and making people aware. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, I think the paper did an admirable job. No one within the reach of the publication can complain that this did not get any public attention. My compliments to Kailee Bradstreet for a well written and balanced story.
Geoff Page, Point Loma

Dog Beach project to change neighborhood character
There is a proposed building project adjacent to Dog Beach that would result in changing the character of this neighborhood.
The owner of the property at 5166 West Point Loma Blvd. wants to tear down the existing duplex and build a three-story, single dwelling with an underground garage. If approved, this project opens the door for similar development of all of the single-story properties near Dog Beach. This would change the character of the neighborhood. What is now affordable beach property will become out of the reach of people who are attracted to Ocean Beach.
Additionally, there is a big concern about the wisdom of putting in an underground garage that would be 7 feet below the water table. What is the city’s liability for approving this project, when in years past this area has been flooded curb to curb?
Dog Beach is in jeopardy. This is an ill-conceived project that needs to be stopped. We have sent letters to District 2 representative Kevin Faulconer and urge our friends and neighbors to do the same.
Bob and Sally Wood, Ocean Beach