The San Diego City Council on Tuesday approved new land-use plans for Hillcrest and University City that envision thousands of new homes and jobs over the next 30 years.
The Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment updates a 2016 plan and calls for 17,200 new homes along with street improvements to support small businesses and encourage walking, biking and transit in the area.
The University Community Plan Update replaces a 1987 plan and calls for up to 29,000 new homes to support 72,000 additional jobs in the retail, research, technology and health care sectors.
“These plan updates are critical steps forward in creating jobs, strengthening our economy, addressing our housing crisis and honoring the unique cultures and contributions of our communities,” said Mayor Todd Gloria after the council action.
“We are creating vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods that support job growth, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, and improve the quality of life for all San Diegans. Hillcrest and University City will remain thriving, inclusive areas for decades to come under these innovative, strategic frameworks.”
While the actual growth in housing and employment will depend on the actions of property owners and developers, the plans provide a framework to ensure future growth meets the city’s needs.
The two new plans were supported by the councilmembers representing the two communities.
“Thanks in large part to the active participation of Hillcrest residents, this long-range plan reflects the passion and pride of the community,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents Hillcrest “Two dozen public meetings and over 1,600 written comments helped shape a neighborhood vision that values truly affordable housing, supports local small businesses, and celebrates our LGBTQ+ community.”
“The passage of the University Community Plan Update and the Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment represent our City’s continuing efforts to deliver housing as we reimagine our neighborhoods to meet the needs of all San Diegans,” said Council President pro Tem Joe LaCava, who represents University City. “I appreciate the public participation over the years and the diligent efforts of City Planning staff to balance difficult priorities.”
The plans are consistent with the Blueprint SD initiative which was adopted by the City Council last week. Blueprint SD is an amendment to the General Plan that will bring these plans and future community plan updates into alignment with Climate Action Plan goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by placing new homes and jobs near existing and planned public transit, parks and other daily needs.
“The updates to these plans ensure that we have a strategy in place that directs growth in the areas that best serve the needs of our community members and provides for a comprehensive plan to make sure that these communities continue to thrive,” said City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum. “Cultivating a sense of place and well-being and celebrating their cultures are key outcomes called for in these plans.”
