Editor: There have been new developments in the highly-controversial “make-over” of Balboa Park plan, put forward by local kingpin and billionaire Irwin Jacobs and his politician-ally Major Jerry Sanders. Yesterday, the City Council voted 7 to 1 to order an environmental review of Jacob’s plan and approved a memorandum of understanding with Jacobs. Yet, there are still many detractors of the Jacobs plan, so scroll down to read Bruce Coons view as head of SOHO.
By Roger Showley / SignOnSanDiego / July 20, 2011
The San Diego City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday to proceed with review of Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs’ $40 million plan to remove cars and traffic from the center of Balboa Park.
Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, the sole dissenter, said she did not think his proposal was the best available, while Councilman Carl DeMaio, though in support, expressed concern about funding shortfalls.
The council did not approve the project, projected for completion in three years, but did OK a memorandum of understanding outlining Jacobs’ and city’s responsibilities during the environmental review period. A development agreement would come later for whatever design, if any, ultimately gets approved.
For the remainder of this article, please go here.
For the Voice of San Diego‘s view, go here. The Voice has Irwin Jacobs as a major donor and is somewhat sympathetic to his plan.
Bruce Coons, head of SOHO (Save Our History Organization) opposes Jacob’s plan. Go here for his opinion at the Voice.
Coons says:
The Sanders/Jacobs bypass bridge and traffic recirculation plan for Balboa Park can only be characterized as simply the most destructive project proposed for the historic core of Balboa Park in at least 50 years.
Related Articles:
- Debate on Balboa Park Future Re-ignited
- On Balboa Park
- Comparison of Proposals for Car Free Zones in Balboa Park, San Diego
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
By turning their collective backs on the existing traffic corridor (Park Blvd.) both the SOHO/ Shapery and the CITY/Jacobs plan do little to preserve the historic public interest (Gerainiums). To the contrary, both proposals are a product of our current State Capitalism (Smokestacks) that will advance private interests (exchange value) at the expense of the common wealth (use value). Nothing more elegant than that!
Danny, there is no SOHO/ Shapery plan. Two different plans. And if you are the poster named “Matt” on the UT forums, I hope you have that message by now.
Erik-Although I’m no relation to Matt, I’d like to thank him for highlighting the interlocking directorships that constitute the network of power relationships for the ruling/governing class of state capitalism (as referred to in my comments above). See: http://sohosandiego.org/board/ and tell me that Sandor W. Shapery isn’t thick as thieves with not only SOHO but SANDAG, the regional Chamber of Commerce and something called the Southern California Leadership Council. My point still stands, let’s hope you get THAT message. Remember-they killed Kenny… the bastards!
Danny 8-p
this is a BIG bait and switch. Please look at Jacobs past philanthropic efforts and how his efforts to “help” a local community ended w/ him destroying all the local businesses and moving T Mobile and other big box retail into the community and making millions doing it. “philanthropy”=”investment” no one should trust jacobs or Sanders. They both have a very poor track record and are clearly private investors in this scam.
I have a suspicion that the crux of this plan is to get the 30 million dollar bond and Sanders can take that bond and leverage it for more money to hide all the city fraud and embezzlement. There is no way the city could pay its bills if they werent playing some really sleazy money leveraging games…see what Goldman Sachs did w/ Greece. No doubt that is to some degree what Sanders has done w/ this city.
christine,these folks woud’nt do those hurtfull things to the taxpayer,there are friends.all politicians are our friends…………i just got sick….where’s that free obama health care when you need it………?
I bet when they build a “servants entrance” on the castle, that the rich folk will still ride into the plaza in their limos.
Somebody must be feeling better.