Focus
A ‘missed opportunity’? San Diego OKs sweeping neighborhood plan for College Area, more modest vision for Clairemont
The San Diego Union-Tribune – December 16
San Diego approved new growth blueprints this Tuesday for Clairemont and the College Area that could bring tens of thousands of new residents to both neighborhoods by allowing mid-rise and high-rise housing in more places. While city officials envision the changes taking place slowly over the next 30 years, the new blueprints are still considered major milestones for both neighborhoods that will be key to guiding future development. Officials say updating them with new zoning is one of the fastest ways to get developers to build much-needed new housing.
News
Huntington Beach fight over California housing mandate fizzles
Courthouse News Service – December 11
The California Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Huntington Beach to review a ruling that forced the small seaside city to produce a plan to allow for more housing, despite its status as a charter city. “Huntington Beach has run out of excuses in our state’s courts," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “It was required to submit a compliant housing element on Oct. 15, 2021, more than four years ago. Rather than follow the law, the city has been squandering public money to avoid building its fair share of housing.” A spokesperson for the city of Huntington Beach did not respond to an email requesting a comment.
Newsom announces $865M funding for affordable housing, transit projects
Connect CRE – December 11
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced more than $865 million in new investments to build affordable housing, expand transit, and protect communities from climate change. The awards include funding for 39 new affordable housing projects in 21 communities across the state and major sustainable transportation upgrades, with $185.6 million going to Los Angeles County as it rebuilds infrastructure after January’s wildfires. The funding came through the state’s Cap-and-Invest program.
Pro-housing group sues Newsom over duplex law suspension in wildfire zones
Los Angeles Times – December 10
A pro-housing group sued Governor Gavin Newsom last Wednesday over his decision to restrict SB 9, a housing law that allows owners to parcel up their properties, in the wake of the January fires. The suit alleges that Newsom’s executive order over the summer allowing cities to suspend SB 9 is a constitutional overreach and violates the California Emergency Services Act, which states that emergency powers can be used only to mitigate ongoing disasters, not potential ones.
Mayor Gloria announces effort to add more townhomes, cottages to San Diego neighborhoods
NBC7 San Diego – December 11
Mayor Todd Gloria announced an initiative last Wednesday intended to expand housing options in neighborhoods by integrating small-scale residences such as townhomes, rowhomes, and cottages into an area's existing character. The Neighborhood Homes for All of Us initiative is also intended to support community land trusts — nonprofit organizations that acquire land to create permanent affordable housing.
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