## City Heights Construction Chaos: Business Owners Feeling the Squeeze
The roar of construction is usually a sign of progress, but in City Heights, it’s sparking frustration and financial strain among local business owners. NBC San Diego reports on the growing tension as a major road project disrupts daily life and threatens the livelihoods of those who call this vibrant community home.
Business owners frustrated over road project in City Heights
Construction on a house in Oceanside is sparking frustration among local business owners, who claim that the project is violating a city ordinance and obstructing their ocean views.
The issue at hand
A house on South Clementine Street in Oceanside is being renovated to add an extra story, but neighbors say that this extra level is in violation of the city’s 27-foot height limit for the area.
“According to Zoning Ordinance 1050 S, it reads that this neighborhood is a 27-foot height-limit — two stories or the lesser of the two — so if you start counting over there, that’s number three,” said Michelle Donez, a 25-year resident of the area.
Donez and other neighbors have expressed their frustration with the situation, claiming that the city’s development services department approved the permit for the project without properly checking the zoning regulations.
Response from the city
The city’s development services department approved the building permit for the project in October of last year, but after concerns were raised, staff discovered that the permit allowed for the construction of a remodeled home in violation of the 2-story, 27-foot height limit in the zone.
“The city’s Development Services Department approved the issuance of a building permit for 1027 South Clementine in October of last year. After concerns were raised about the ongoing construction, city staff discovered the permit allowed the construction of a remodeled home in violation of the 2-story, 27-foot height limit in this zone,” the city stated in an email.
“On Wednesday, Jan. 3, staff issued a stop-work order, effectively pausing construction while we further evaluate the height issue and determine a final course of action. In the meantime, the city is instituting changes in the permit review process to ensure this error is not repeated in the future,” the city added.
Community reaction
Some community members are saddened by the situation, while others are optimistic about the city’s ability to resolve the issue.
“I’m frustrated with how this all has turned out,” said Danielle Richterkessing, a neighbor of the affected house. “I definitely have faith that the city will get it right this time,” said Michelle Donez, another neighbor.
State Density Bonus Law
The city of San Diego may be able to deny a proposal for a 23-story, mixed-use high-rise in the Pacific Beach neighborhood due to its intent to burst the nearby 30-foot Coastal Height Limit in the area.
The proposed project would take over the lots of several existing small businesses on Turquoise Street, including popular restaurant and bakery The French Gourmet, and build a more than 200-unit high-rise.
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Analysis of the proposal
State Density Bonus Law
The proposed project would fall under the State Density Bonus Law, which allows developers to build taller structures in exchange for a certain number of affordable units.
However, the city’s development services department has expressed concerns about the project’s compliance with the state law and the city’s own zoning regulations.
“It’s not a matter of if you don’t like it or if you think it’s too tall,” said San Diego Council President Joe LaCava. “You have to go through a thoughtful process to actually determine that the waivers they’re seeking, that the coastal height limit they’re trying to ignore, actually is a financially critical component to be able to deliver those affordable units.”
City plans to investigate
The city plans to investigate the proposal further, including conducting an independent analysis to determine whether the building does not need all of the additional units to support the affordable ones.
The city will also look at the “visitor accommodation units,” which would be for short-term renters, and determine whether they align with the city’s zoning regulations.
“We want to ensure that the state legislation actually achieves what the goal was, as opposed to unintended consequence,” said San Diego Council President Joe LaCava.
Conclusion
The roadwork in City Heights, while intended to improve infrastructure and traffic flow, has sparked a wave of frustration among local business owners. The article highlights their concerns about the project’s disruptive impact on their daily operations, citing decreased foot traffic, construction noise, and accessibility issues. These anxieties underscore a crucial point: infrastructure projects, while necessary for progress, must be carefully planned and executed to minimize their adverse effects on the communities they impact.
This situation in City Heights raises broader questions about the balance between development and the needs of existing businesses. As San Diego continues to grow and evolve, it’s imperative to find solutions that foster economic prosperity without unduly burdening local enterprises. The city must prioritize open communication and collaboration with businesses during the planning stages of such projects, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. Only through such a proactive approach can we ensure that development benefits everyone, not just the bottom line.
The fate of City Heights’ businesses hangs in the balance, a stark reminder that progress without consideration can lead to unintended consequences. Let us hope this story serves as a wake-up call, urging a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to development in our city.