Mayor Todd Gloria has added his voice to growing community opposition to a proposed 23-story hotel and residential tower in Pacific Beach.
“While I am a staunch advocate for affordable housing, this project is an extreme application of the state Density Bonus Law that fails to meet the spirit or intent of California’s affordable housing policies,” he said in an email update to constituents just before Christmas.
The mayor noted “significant community concerns,” and added, “I share many of the reservations about the project.”
The Vela project at 970 Turquoise Street in Pacific Beach would include 139 hotel rooms and 74 residential units, 10 of which would be deed-restricted for affordable housing. The developer is Kalonymus LLC, a Los Angeles-based real estate firm.
Gloria said the city is requesting assistance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to ensure that the development, if it proceeds, complies with all state housing regulations.
He said his office is also working with state Sen. Catherine Blakespear to introduce legislation amending the Density Bonus Law to strengthen safeguards on projects that include affordable housing.