San Diego's new safe parking lot for homeless gets OK
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The H Barracks site for the proposed safe-parking lot. Photo: Andy Keatts/Axios
A new safe parking site for people experiencing homelessness is set to open in Point Loma after months of controversy.
Why it matters: The H Barracks site is a key part of San Diego's plan to address its growing homeless population — particularly people who are unsheltered or living in their cars — and will provide more than just a place to stay.
Driving the news: The California Coastal Commission unanimously approved the site permit Wednesday after reviewing a staff report on its logistics and environmental impacts.
- The permit came with conditions, including requiring the city to install a stormwater filter to remove runoff pollutants from vehicles.
State of play: San Diego currently operates four lots where people living in cars or RVs can park overnight, with access to restrooms, services and treatment.
- The H Barracks location adds 190 parking spaces, which will nearly double the capacity of the city's safe parking program.
- It'll be located on five acres between the airport and Liberty Station, and it would serve the large population of people living in oversized vehicles in the Peninsula area.
Zoom in: The pet-friendly lot will be open overnight — 6pm-7am — with onsite security, as well as bathrooms and showers, according to the report.
- There will be onsite services for case management, housing, health care, mental and behavioral health, plus substance-abuse treatment resources.
- Patrons will be prohibited from drug and alcohol use, and no registered sex offenders will be allowed.
- RVs will be allowed, without the vehicles and generators running.
- Officials plan to add two office trailers, turf for pets and a pedestrian entrance along Kincaid Road, per the Union-Tribune.
Catch up quick: In April, Mayor Todd Gloria pivoted away from building a large, controversial shelter to this parking lot.
- Thousands of local residents protested the shelter, citing public safety concerns, and opposition continued with the proposed lot.
Between the lines: This permit also includes a second phase that would allow the city to replace the parking spaces with two tented, 300-bed temporary shelters in five years.
- City spokesperson Rachel Laing told Axios those structures were kept in the application to preserve the option, but the five-year outlook suggests a more permanent investment, like the proposed 1,000-bed shelter just north of downtown.
- That project, called The Hope @ Vine, altered the plans for H Barracks and would be the city's largest shelter, but it's been in limbo awaiting City Council approval.
What's next: The new lot needs debris removed and paving; it's expected to be ready this winter or early next year.