The City Heights Community Planning Group voiced its disapproval of a proposed housing project on 44th Street due to a lack of onsite parking. Documenter Jennifer Hua was at the group’s latest meeting and took notes on the conversation.
The owner plans to build a 23-unit apartment complex in place of the site’s existing single-family house at 4275 44th St. The site is near El Cajon Boulevard and along a bus route.
Three units will be designated as affordable housing — one each for low, very low and moderate income levels. All but one of the units are planned one-bedrooms, targeting individuals or couples as renters. Estimated rent is $1,800-$1,900 per month.
A representative said the project is part of San Diego’s Complete Communities initiative to build housing near transit. That means it can be administratively approved without public hearings as long as it adheres to municipal code.
Planning group members argued City Heights already lacks parking and that residents in the area are more likely to drive vehicles. They questioned where new residents would park.
They had raised concerns at a prior meeting the project representative spoke at but were told at this meeting implementing parking was not cost-effective, and the owner did not intend to include it.
The group unanimously voted to send a letter of disapproval regarding the project to San Diego City Council, Mayor Todd Gloria and the Planning Commission.
— Written by Brisa Karow, Documenter and freelance reporter