The city of San Diego on Wednesday launched a digital tool that allows residents to weigh in on housing and community planning issues without having to attend local forums or workshops in person, as they have previously.

Clairemont residents are the first in the city with access to the online tool, allowing them to detail what the city’s priorities should be for development along the future Mid-Coast Trolley extension.

The city is asking users to give feedback on where 5,000 or more housing units should be developed along the trolley line. According to city officials, 40 percent of the units will be built near the extension’s new trolley stations. Residents can access the tool at clairemontplan.org.

“The new online community engagement tool will give residents and business owners who typically are unable to attend meetings and workshops the ability to participate in the community planning process,” said Mike Hansen, the city’s planning director. “We hope everyone takes advantage of this useful application.”

City planners intend to use the tool as they update the city’s community plans, which give a framework to how the city will grow and develop over time. The city currently has seven community plan updates in progress for Pacific Beach, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, Kearny Mesa, Clairemont and University Community.

“With this new tool, residents can tell city planners exactly where they would like future development to go and what they want it to look like,” said Mayor Kevin Faulconer. “We want to make sure we are giving folks every opportunity possible to make their voices heard.”

— City News Service

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