There was a lot of interest in the development of a piece of land in the 4900 block of Saratoga Avenue in OB where once stood an historic cottage.
The interest was piqued due to the apparent lack of notice to the community or the neighbors in the demolition of the cottage.
Rag reporter Geoff Page took a look at the lot this morning, Friday, Feb. 14, and found, “Nothing more than dirt.”
The post on the demolition, etc brought over 40 comments, many of the commenters inflamed by what was going on, the lack of permits, lack of notice, etc., others complaining that people should be able to use their own property the way they want.
One commenter, described as “JJK” seemed to know the inside story, refuted much of the complaints and had this to say:
This is where an UNINFORMED, and a rather ignorant neighbor has, in one failed swoop, stirred up a community I happen to care about very deeply, and especially for someone who always follows the rules.
Design started on this project approx. 5 years ago and submitted for permitting approx.
4 years ago. A Coastal development permit (CDP) was filed for before the permit processing could begin. Contrary to the mis-information everyone has been told, Our CDP, Coastal Development Permit was filed and, as required, was posted on the fence in front of the property for Months noting of the new build, as required by, and for procuring the Coastal Development Permit.
This was the required Notice we follow on all coastal properties. We do not have to notify a second time to demo the home. This home also has to go through thorough vetting through the Historical Dept. at the city – THIS IS NOT A HISTORICAL HOME AS DEEMED BY THE CITY.
After 4 years in the city, we have a “Permit for the Project”, a “Coastal Development Permit”, a “Right Of Way” Permit”, AND A “DEMO PERMIT!” It concerns me deeply when someone 40? away will tell lies to the masses, and they are believed, when we were not given the opportunity to present the actual truth and proof of the physical documentation. The project also has a 2 car garage and 2 off street parking stalls as required by the city. This is going to be a beautiful project and will enhance the values in the area.
This is not a Developer project, it is an individual that purchased the home 6 years ago and hired a long time local PL contractor to build this project.
The demolition permit was approved last summer. See this
is the developer of this property JKCD INC?
Although it may seem the City of San Diego ignored public noticing, I actually saw a notice requesting public comment on a proposed demolition and a photo of the house in the City filings. I did not see enough architecturally defining features nor did I think the Minimal Traditional design would qualify under Criterion C for historical designation. I cannot speak to your other issues.
Go here to see what is proposed. Two 1,200 square foot houses on a 3,400 square foot lot. That’s pretty dense but if you want more homes for people, that’s what you have to do.
The house that was demolished was a 2 bed, one bath 550 square feet. Now that’s small!
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/dsd-nora_03-25-2022_digital_thoma_cdp.pdf
I don’t think this is an appropriate use of either “one failed swoop” or “one fell swoop”. Either way, let’s just agree to stop using that old timey idiom altogether pls.
Property owner actually lives, intermittently, caddy corner (across the alley) at 4965 Cape May. They demolished the previous home there 10-ish years ago and built two buildings on that lot as well. I lived next door for many, many years. They had notices posted on the alley facing garage probably 18 months ago. While both properties were rotting from the inside out and needed a fresh start, it would be nice if the new living spaces actually had enough parking to support the number of people living there. The house they built across the alley has two buildings but parking for only one home. It’s also been in constant flux between being an Airbnb, the owner living there, and a long term rental. Hey, maybe they will even get their own trash cans one day and stop using the neighbors.