There’s a new construction project coming in at the northwest corner of Garrison Street and Locust Street in Point Loma.
It’s all dirt at the corner lot, hidden by a construction screen fence.
A peek at what the development entails shows that a large below grade hole has been carved out of the dirt. Look at the photos.
The depth of the hole appears to be deeper than that Potter-Potty is high. How tall are those?
This is probably a future subterranean garage. Uh-oh.
When Point Lomans hear that phrase these days – “subterranean garage” – they turn pale. It was all under the guise of such an underground garage at the notorious project at Garrison and Evergreen that allowed the developer to build up 4 stories – all approved by the city.
Until the locals rebelled. Now the developer has to remove that 4th floor.
So, what will the developer at this new project say about their subterranean garage? Will they say that it will allow them to build up?
According to our sources with the Peninsula, the project details describe it as “4 story 4 unit condo building with partial basement parking, balconies & roof decks”.
Cute Spanish bungalows that used to be at that corner.
Is this the next problem project for Point Loma? Check out these photos taken about a week ago, as we continue our research into this project.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Holy crappola! 4 Stories! Are you sure? This is the very same thing that happened over at Evergreen, 4 stories based on an underground garage. But wait, didn’t the developer in that case create a fake “underground” by piling up dirt around the garage?
So, if the city passes that new code section re Point Loma 30 foot height measurements, does this mean this project gets a pass?
According to Open DSD, this project was approved on July 9. I have sent an email to the project manager with the city. I have said all along that the new MC language is meaningless other than it gets the city off the hook for current projects. I have asked if this one is to be redesigned but I am guessing it won’t be because it won’t be subject to the “new” language, which is not new at all, because the new language has been added after this approval date. As soon as I get a reply, I will post it here.
Sad to see a vibrant small house community be destroyed for ??? The spaces between the structures, the small footprints (mass/ scale) , the Spanish Colonial details all gone. Why did City Historic planners clear this for demolition? Someone please find out why!!
John, I hate say it but Historical Review in this city is another problem. Check out this article in the Voice of San Diego: http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/government/preservationists-clamor-for-say-on-citys-historical-resources-board/
I agree- such a shame to see those bungalows gone… I have always thought of them as quintessential San Diego. And, harking back to the article on Buddhist Economics Part 2, -so much for the ‘live small’ concept… :-(
Gosh, I loved the homes that were on that corner. I walk by there all the time.
What a shame.
There were three properties around Emerson that I looked into in June. There should be links in these two articles for the one you mention. The project architect told me that he didn’t have to take the project before the community because it wasn’t in the coastal zone (it is clearly in the coastal zone). He also said the application for 4-story’s was a mistake (back in June) but then less than a week later got the grading permit also noting 4-story’s. I have photos from back then too that didn’t get used in the article.
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/sep/06/stringers-coastal-height-limit-slips-point-loma/
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/jun/25/stringers-roseville-neighbors-protest-duplexes/
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/jun/21/stringers-point-loma-block-new-four-story-duplexes/
Much thanks Julie – it’s great that you’re staying on top of this issue for the Point.
It is in the “30 foot coastal height limit overlay zone” but this area appears to be outside of “Coastal Zone” as it relates to the coastal commission and local planning board review.
From the city’s General Plan:
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/planning/genplan/pdf/2012/ce120100.pdf
“Development in the coastal zone in CA is governed by the California Coastal Act of 1976.”
Coastal Zone Map:
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/planning/genplan/pdf/generalplan/ce3cstlzone.pdf
1. 4 units replace 4 existing units (I assume this was 4 units before?)
2. The new scale is 3 stories Existing was 1 story.
3. Each unit will most likely be isolated from each other (neighbor interaction limited.) and have no interaction with the street. Existing had porches, walks, yard)
4. New tenants in order to pay rent or mortgage will work 7am-7pm with flicker of TV and computer the only thing visible at night. Most will move out after a year. Existing was affordable allowing flexible work schedule with open front doors and gardening in the day and more permanent residency.
5. Energy used to destroy then build can never be recouped via Green methods.
6. Two years of disruption on the street during construction.
7. Loss of small wildlife- birds, squirrels, lizards habitat.
In short- the community loses. It becomes a place to “warehouse humans” We are losing our way of life and our souls. What does it mean to be human?