San Diego plan could nearly double Mid-City housing

Claire Trageser

Different scenes along El Cajon Boulevard.Photo: John Gibbins/The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images — El Cajon Boulevard. Photo: John Gibbins/The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images

Neighborhoods including City Heights, Rolando, Kensington-Talmadge and Normal Heights could see a big housing boost under a new city plan.

The big picture: The proposal would allow taller apartment buildings along busier streets like El Cajon Boulevard, Fairmount Avenue, Federal Boulevard and University Avenue, with less density in surrounding neighborhoods.

By the numbers: It could almost double housing from 53,500 to 95,500 in the next 30 years.

The goal is to build denser housing around new transit villages, including a rapid bus line on Adams Avenue and the expansion of the trolley from San Ysidro, according to the plan.

Farther back into neighborhoods, there would still be more density than now allowed, but not high-rise buildings.

Caveat: This plan is a draft, not final. The city is looking for feedback on it and will do a second draft this winter.

What they're saying: Some neighborhood leaders welcome the increased density.

Paul Coogan, chair of the Normal Heights Planning Group, told the Union-Tribune his neighbors are OK with the plan but want it to include more parks.

Friction point: But others aren't thrilled. David Moty, chair of the Kensington-Talmadge Community Planning Group, told the UT the plan would ruin the ambiance of his neighborhood.

What's next: The city is holding workshops on the plan to gather more feedback.

You can explore an interactive map here.

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San Diego plan could nearly double Mid-City housing

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