Supporters who want to see the city sell the former Qualcomm — now SDCCU — Stadium site in Mission Valley to San Diego State University unveiled plans Thursday for a ballot measure aimed at putting the decision to voters.
“Friends of SDSU” announced the “SDSU West Campus Research Center, Stadium, and River Park Initiative,” which, if approved, would authorize the sale and direct the university to create a comprehensive site plan.
Dubbed the “SDSU West,” the initiative requires SDSU to purchase the site at fair market value and also requires a full environmental review, according to an announcement from Friends of SDSU.
“The SDSU West initiative requires a public plan, developed through an open and transparent process,” said steering committee member Kim Kilkenny.
According to the Friends of SDSU announcement, plans for the site include a joint-use stadium for SDSU football “at no cost to the City of San Diego.”
“The city will not be required to pay for any stadium rehabilitation costs, demolition or removal costs, cost overruns, operating costs, maintenance, or capital improvement expenses. SDSU West also allows for inclusion of other potential sports partners, including but not limited to professional, premier, or MLS soccer and adaptable for the NFL,” according to the announcement.
Additional plans for the site include facilities for educational, research, entrepreneurial and technology programs “within a vibrant mixed-use campus village and research park,” the annoucement continued.
SDSU has been challenged by a lack of space for expansion, and “the city’s decision to shutter SDCCU Stadium in late 2018 has raised questions regarding the future of the SDSU football program,” according to Friends of SDSU.
The initiative also requires revitalization and restoration of the San Diego River Park south of the site as 34 acres of public park land, including walking and biking trails, a river buffer of native vegetation, and requires park “improvements be made at no cost to the city’s general fund,” the announcement continued.
As part of the process for moving the initiative forward, on Saturday a notice of intent will be published that begins a 21-day noticing period. Following that, a signature gathering effort will begin at to-be-announced locations across the City of San Diego in an effort to qualify the initiative to be placed before voters in 2018.
The group has launched a website, www.sdsuwest.org, to provide additional information on the initiative.
–Staff