By Ashley Mackin | SDUN Editor

At District 3 Councilmember Todd Gloria’s monthly Coffee with your Councilmember meeting, Gloria sat down with community members at Rebecca’s Coffee House in South Park to address their concerns.

The Councilmember addressed each participant directly and asked why they were there.

The primary issue discussed was the Balboa Park Plaza de Panama project. Gloria explained in addition to the bypass bridge, there are also projects being considered that cover public transit to and from the park and additional bike infrastructure to make the park more bicycle-friendly.

One community member expressed concern about the cost of the project and its Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Gloria reminded him that Dr. Irwin Jacobs was funding the EIR and that Jacobs would more than likely stand by the version Jacobs believes in, though the City Council is considering alternatives to the Jacobs-proposed EIR as well. Gloria encouraged community members to look at the draft EIR and offer their feedback.

Other issues discussed included homelessness, including an explanation of the Connections Housing project, the City’s first year-round homeless facility; traffic issues and possible roundabouts on streets in North Park; a recap of the crime statistics announced on Jan. 26; the elimination of redevelopment funds; and the recent budget announcements made by City Hall.

“Being accessible to District 3 neighbors is essential. The concerns and input I get at events like community coffees helps me better represent our neighborhoods,” Gloria said. He added that the urban agriculture regulations recently passed by the City Council grew out of concerns brought to him at a 2009 coffee meeting in Normal Heights.