In June, Peninsula planners got an update on San Diego International Airport’s north-side development and debated — before postponing until July — final consideration of Point Loma Village, a proposed three-story, mixed-use condo project on Rosecrans and Byron streets.
Many residents turned out at the Peninsula Community Planning Board’s monthly meeting at Point Loma Library on June 19 to protest redevelopment projects calling for higher density, insisting the largely single-family residential neighborhood is not suited to such development.
Ken Wilschetz, director of planning at the San Diego Airport Authority, which makes decisions on Lindbergh Field improvements, discussed progress being made on north side’s ongoing redevelopment, which includes a $264 million, 17-acre consolidated car-rental facility.
Airport redevelopment also includes a new fixed-base operator facility as well as a new centralized receiving and distribution center to serve Lindbergh Field.
“The airport master plan is the last plan we’re going to have for this airport’s one runway, which will not be lengthened,” said Wilschetz, adding the airport plan’s goal is to “make every square foot of the airport site as efficient as it can possibly be.”
Wilschetz said plans for the north side’s redevelopment include “a pedestrian bridge over Pacific Highway” in order to “take people back and forth on airport roads much better than we have now.”
Wilschetz said engineers have estimated Lindbergh Field’s runway capacity will be maxed out between 2035 and 2040.
“We have to live with whatever you build,” said PCPB board member Paul Webb.
Architect Toni Cutri of Martinez + Cutri Corp. detailed the Point Loma Village project, which calls for demolishing three existing rundwown buildings and replacing them with a three-story, mixed-use development to include 17 condominium units.
Noting the proposed development is “100-percent under” the 30-foot height limit, as prescribed in the community plan, Cutri said the project is infill development close to transit lines.
Neighbors in the area objected to plans for Point Loma Village, contending that parking for the project is insufficient noting parking in the surrounding area is deficient.
Residents also said they believed mass transit is inadequate, contesting the developer’s notion that public transportation would be sufficient to satisfy the transportation needs of project residents.
Asked what the price range would be for condos in the development, Cutri replied it would likely be in the $1 million range.
“This is not going to work. There’s not enough parking, and people are going to be jammed in there,” said one neighbor. “How is this going to help our children?”
Cutri responded.
“I think this is going to be a great addition to the Village on that blighted corner,” he said. “This will be adding vibrancy and energy to the Village. It’s going to be great to the community in the sense that it’s going to bring retail and property-tax dollars to the area.”
After discussion, planners voted overwhelmingly to table final consideration of the project ito obtain more information about zoning before the group’s next meeting on Thursday, July 17.
IN OTHER ACTION
• Diana and Cosmin Tobos, owners of a property at 4451 Granger St. who are seeking a 700-square-foot granny flat on their 6,900-square-foot lot, turned out in person to answer questions from neighbors who, at the previous month’s PCPB meeting, challenged their motivation for redeveloping their property. The couple assured neighbors they had no intentions of ever turning their contemplated companion unit into a second rental unit on the property. “I hate to be the skunk at the picnic,” said one concerned resident, adding, “but the trend in the neighborhood is toward increasing rentals, which is changing the quality of life in this quiet neighborhood of single-family homes.”
• An appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to approve permitting for the Peeling project, a proposed subdivision of a one-acre site of three existing parcels and two existing homes into five new lots with construction of three new single-family homes at 3340 and 3328 Harbor View Drive, is scheduled for Monday, July 14 at the City Council. Neighbors have protested that the site lacks proper access and it located on a steep slope which is eroding presenting a danger to properties below.