For the first time in nearly 30 years, the city of San Diego is updating the Otay Mesa-Nestor Community Plan. Documenter Julietta Bisharyan heard about it at the latest community planning group meeting.
Here’s the breakdown.
The community master plan — which guides vision, land use and development for Otay Mesa, Nestor, Egger Highlands and Palm City neighborhoods — was last updated in 1997.
The area’s housing growth has since remained relatively stable, though its population decreased slightly over the last five years, according to a city planning report. By 2025, the number of households making more than $100,000 had increased substantially compared to in 2000, and households making less than $30,000 saw a 56% decline. The Latino and Hispanic population grew by 20%, while all other groups declined.
The plan update covers the next 20-30 years, identifying opportunities for new homes, businesses and infrastructure. It will be guided by other planning efforts, such as the city’s general plan, climate action plan, Otay Valley Regional Park Concept Plan, Palm Avenue Revitalization Plan and library master plan.
City planners hope to finalize the updated plan by summer 2028, with opportunities for public review and engagement throughout the planning process. Community members are encouraged to review this report breaking down Otay Mesa-Nestor as it is currently and submit comments via this survey by Jan. 22.
More information on the planning update can be found here.
— Written by Brisa Karow, Documenter and freelance reporter