Who knew a contest to select the city’s most egregious accessory dwelling unit (ADU) would get people so stirred up?
In the four days since we announced the OB Rag’s “Worst ADU in San Diego” competition, the response has been, well, unexpected.
No one seems neutral about this. Feedback has come from two camps. Some people are delighted that we want to put a spotlight on overwhelming projects that tower above nearby homes and siphon off available street parking.
And some think we’re just plain awful. “What an insulting and tone-deaf idea,” said one of the 74 comments posted so far. “You should be ashamed.”
Some clarification seems to be in order. First, to those who are enthusiastic about the contest — A lot of you want to submit entries, but some have asked if they can do so anonymously. That’s understandable. Extreme ADUs have pitted neighbor against neighbor in nearly every San Diego community. No one wants to escalate what have become personal conflicts.
If you want to remain anonymous, just email the address of the ADU to obragblog@gmail.com. We’ll confirm that it’s an ADU via an online search, and will not publish your name or email — then we’ll hand the entry over to our judges.
To those who feel this is a scurrilous assault on all ADU owners, builders, and tenants — Please relax.
If your unit fulfills the original and commendable “granny flat” promise of building modest rental units on portions of single lots, you have nothing to worry about. Don’t take this personally, but we’re just not interested in you.
The deadline for entries is Friday, August 23. Send us an email (or two), and spread the word.
We’ll post periodic updates.
One make believe person was stirred up who claimed they paid twice the going rate per sq ft during covid for their 1K ADU addition. Yes, my son’s 1K condo he bought during covid was $420 per sq ft which is why I call BS.
“No one wants to escalate what have become personal conflicts.
Hmmm, for those who watch “Fear Thy Neighbor” (https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/show/fear-thy-neighbor-investigation-discovery), maybe we’ll have some future episodes taking place in our own city.
That folks don’t want to submit in their own name is a bit of admission that this is a less-than-stellar idea, no?
No, it is not. They don’t want to have to get into public disputes with neighbors. In the coming days, we’ll publish more about why and how the worst ADUs are tearing neighborhoods apart. Nice try Tanner.
To add to what Frank said, many people are publicity shy. People provide information and tips all the time but are reluctant to have their names used. Oftentimes, that reluctance does not seem to make sense, in light of what they have provided, but I never ask, it’s personal. It is not an indication of people being nefarious.
kewl
I’d say you’re continued refusal to use your last name is an admission that you’re a troll, no?
Impressive gatekeeping, sir.
Lame attempt to deflect from your own hypocrisy while claiming freedom from accountability.
Take a breath, sir. Not sure what accountability I have to this website. Any time I’ve tried to share my neighborly view here, I’ve been immediately jumped at by folks like you. Not exactly a welcoming environment.
Sigh, another terrible sea lion, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sealioning
I’ve made no demands for answers or evidence. I simply try to share my own real perspective.
Of course! Give me a moment to find a fresh sardine to toss to you.
Yelp does the same thing by keeping last names private. If their first names are real at all.
Why not include an “Orchid” award (similar to, no ripping off the original) for the type of ADU that IS good, pleasant, wanted and ok to build?
If we are going to call out the worst cases, can we show an example of the best cases as well?
That might be good at a later date, as it is, we have our hands full.