This past month,a large, all-volunteer rally to support responsible growth and a protest of the planned 14-story high rise on Columbia Street took place at Winder and Columbia Street in South Mission Hills. Upwards of 100 people were present in support of the protest.
During the event, attendees were reminded that the developer is planning a 161-unit, 14-story, 172 foot high rise at 3677-3687 Columbia Street. Neighbors support responsible and affordable housing development at this site and elsewhere in the community. However, this development, according to members of Stop Columbia High Rise and San Diego Community Coalition, has major negative ramifications. There are many issues being protested:
- Affordable Housing is not happening at this site. Only six units are required (out of 161) which will likely be legally “red-lined” to an offsite location. Expect small studio and one-bedroom luxury units at market rates.
- Traffic Congestion and Parking. It only provides ~70 spots for 161 units. Also, the San Diego Fire Department (SDFD) will remove all 15-16 parking spots along Columbia for an exclusive fire lane. Negatively impacts the entire neighborhood: businesses and residents who are already dealing with parking issues.
- Fire Safety. City is playing politics with the fire safety of residents and local businesses, using waivers and exceptions to bypass international fire codes; nor will they allow the SDFD to do a full neighborhood risk assessment.
- Earthquake Safety. Located directly over an active and accurately located fault, per the California Geological Survey. State law does not permit this construction.
- Airspace Interference. Exceeds airport elevation limits by more than 120 feet; yet the FAA uses an exception to approve the high-rise when nothing else has been built in this area for decades because of these restrictions. There is no evaluation of helicopter flight safety either.
- Destroys Historic Community Character. 172’ tall building does not fit into community with 40’ height restrictions and lot setbacks. Harms the neighborhood, blocking sunlight and removing green canopy.
ELDA, the developer has hired a public relations firm and paid for TV spots on local channels making claims that he has been a good neighbor to other projects that he has built, though none are as large and in as dense or traffic challenged area as South Mission Hills.
The representative from the public relations firm has also recently stated that the “high-rise has been cancelled and wants to clarify future project plans and gather constructive feedback.”…