SANDAG RELEASES TRAFFIC REPORT FOR SOCCERCITY

On Dec. 1, SANDAG’s Service Bureau released its completed traffic study of the SoccerCity development proposed for the San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) Stadium site. The report, which was requested by proponents and opponents of SoccerCity, forecasts how the plan affects travel to, from and within the site.

SoccerCity is proposing a plan with 4,800 residential units and 450 hotel rooms; 70.4 acres dedicated to a new stadium, recreational areas and park use; and 3.14 million square feet of non-residential space, including commercial, office and research use. The development would support a population of 9,089 and workforce of 10,480.

The SANDAG report considered both average daily traffic (ADT), the total number of vehicles in out of the site per day, and person trips (PT), the number of individuals moving in, out or within the site on a daily basis.

According to the study, there will be an estimated 97,00 vehicle trips and 123,000 person trips. Of the person trips, the majority – 77 percent – would be made by automobiles. Public transit constitutes 5 percent, pedestrian traffic weighs in at 16 percent and bikers make up less than 1 percent.

During peak period commuter hours, these percentages shift to 83 percent automobile, 11 percent transit and 6 percent pedestrian/biking traffic.

In regard to public transit, 5,100 individuals using the trolley stop by 2035, which is “the highest number of stops on the line with the exception of transit hubs,” the study concluded. This figure is 1,000 higher than 2012 statistics for the nearby Fashion Valley Transit Center.

Prior to the report, SoccerCity projected a daily estimate of 71,500 daily trips via automobile.

“Despite repeated evidence of their modeling failures, SANDAG has chosen to release a figure so flawed that subject matter experts will easily refute it,” SoccerCity’s FS Investors said in a statement, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The study’s figures are based on an average weekday; it does not take special events – such as soccer matches or football games – into account. The full report can be read at bit.ly/2kvKoZd.

The SoccerCity project is currently competing with “SDSU Mission Valley,” a development plan recently released by San Diego State University. To read more about “SDSU Mission Valley,” read our article at bit.ly/2AZvfpz.

PLANNING GROUP SETS 2018 ELECTION

Mission Valley Planning Group (MVPG) invites community members to run for the 2018 board in next year’s election. MVPG is a volunteer group that represents Mission Valley.

“[The planning group’s] primary purpose is to advise the City Council, Planning Commission and other governmental agencies as may be appropriate in the initial preparation, adoption of, implementation of, or amendment to the general or community plan as it pertains to the area or areas of influence of Mission Valley,” MVPG membership chair Keith Pittsford said.

Each term is four years. To qualify for the board, you must have attended a minimum of two meetings in the 12 months prior to applying.

All applicants must either reside, own property or own a business in the community planning area. There are four position categories available: Class I, Class II, Class III and Class IV.

Class I is a sole or partial Mission Valley property owner. Class II is a resident or business representative paying taxes on a property in the area. Class III is a resident — owner or renter — with a primary address in the community, while Class IV is a local business person with a business address in the region.

The board is looking for a minimum of 12 candidates by mid-January 2018. They hope to present the ballot at the Feb. 7, 2018 meeting and vote at the March 7, 2018 meeting. For more information, contact Pittsford at [email protected].

CIVITA INTRODUCES SHUTTLE SERVICE

The master-planned community of Civita now offers a shuttle service to nearby trolley stations for their residents. The shuttle – which sits 20 passengers – is both wheelchair and bike friendly.

Civita, developed by Sudberry Properties, is nestled between Interstate 163 and Interstate 805 in Mission Valley East. Mark Radelow, vice president and senior project manager for Sudberry Properties, said the propane-fueled tram will ease residents’ commutes, as well as help the environment.

“The bus’ emission savings is equivalent to planting 1,380 trees or eliminating 56,822 pounds of coal over the life of the bus,” Radelow said.

The tram picks up residents at stops along Civita Boulevard and drops them off at two trolley stations: Fenton Marketplace and Hazard Center. Currently, the shuttle runs weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Visit civitashuttle.com to view the GPS tracking system.

GULLS PLAYER LAUNCHES STUDENT SCHOLAR PROGRAM

A player with the San Diego Gulls hockey team has announced a scholarship for young students that he is launching with his wife. Jordan Samuels-Thomas, a left wing with the local American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, made the announcement Nov. 24 at Valley View Casino (formerly known as the San Diego Sports Arena) during a game with the Bakersfield Condors.

Called the Samuels-Thomas Scholars Academic Excellence Program, it will honor students on a monthly basis for academic performance, classroom participation and leadership skills. The program’s goal is to make a positive impact with youth in local elementary schools and motivate students in the classroom to accomplish their educational goals. The program will also recognize special education students at the middle school level.

Each student recognized will receive a backpack filled with school supplies, tickets for the honoree and his/her family to a Gulls game, and a meet-and-greet with Samuels-Thomas and other players after the game.

“My wife and I are thrilled to create the Samuels-Thomas Scholars program,” Samuels-Thomas said in a press release. “Education has and always will be important to our family. San Diego’s vibrant and diverse community has blessed us with the opportunity to work with kids from all walks of life and reward them for their academic efforts and achievements. Our efforts are focused to encourage kids to keep working hard no matter what adversity they face.”

For more information about the Gulls visit SanDiegoGulls.com. 

MONEY RAISED FOR NONPROFIT’S SERVER

On Nov. 16, the San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF) successfully raised $2,263 to replace its server, which crashed on Nov. 9. The server is crucial for the environmental nonprofit’s daily operations, many of which directly benefit the Mission Valley region.

Community members rallied together to raise the necessary money in under a week. Thirty individuals or businesses – including three anonymous donors – contributed to the cause, according to the SDRPF website. The organization expressed gratitude on their Facebook page, along with a picture of the new, installed server.