Thursday,
May 22,
2008
2008
Ready for another 106 condos in Bankers Hill?
Applicants for the St. Paul’s Cathedral redevelopment (between Fifth/Sixth and Nutmeg/Olive) presented revised plans to the community last night. The number of units has been reduced from 112 to 106, and the northern tower has been reduced to 180 feet. This rendering (looking west at Sixth Avenue from Balboa Park) shows the two residential towers flanking the Cathedral. Fifth & Nutmeg, on the left, would be 13 stories and the northern condos at Fifth & Olive would be 17 stories now towering only 180 feet. They are seeking a deviation from the city to allow a 30-foot extension above the 150-foot community plan height limit. Over 100 people filled Wednesday’s standing-room-only meeting with approximately three dozen consisting of St. Paul’s staff, developers and parishioners.Read more on their website. Nutmeg and Olive, LLC signed a purchase and sale agreement with Bankers Hill Park West, LLC who will buy the property and develop the land. CLB Partners is performing the lead role in the project at this time as a member of the Bankers Hill Park West, LLC. Nutmeg and Olive, LLC has financed its participation in this project over the last four years with a line of credit, which is secured by the five parcels. Currently, CLB is funding all development activities including the interest expense on the line of credit. Nutmeg and Olive has only the monthly expense of Springline Associates, the project management firm that has represented it for the past five years.
The next step for the St. Paul’s/CLB partnership project will be to make a presentation to Uptown Planners on Tuesday, June 3rd at the Joyce Beers Community Center in the Uptown Shopping District. The meeting will begin at 6pm. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Wednesday,
May 21,
2008
2008
— Norma Damashek, president of
the League of Women Voters of San Diego
Tuesday,
May 20,
2008
2008
Join other residents at 6:30pm Wednesday in the conference room at St. Paul’s Manor, on the corner of Third & Maple – entry is through the parking lot on Third Avenue. The agenda will include:
1. St. Paul’s Cathedral Project – The applicants for the St. Paul’s Cathedral project will present their revised development plans to the Bankers Hill community. Since the last presentation, there have been several major revisions to the project, including:
(a.) The height of
the tower on the corner of Fifth & Nutmeg has been lowered so that
it does not exceed the 150' height limitation; and does not encroach
into the Airport Approach Overlay Zone; (b.) The number of units has been reduced from 112 to 106;
(c.) There has been a reduction in glass surfaces; and solid features have been incorporated into the design;
(d.) The tower would be 180' at Fifth & Olive (the applicant is seeking a deviation to allow a 30' extension above the 150' height limitation).
The St. Paul’s Cathedral project will be heard by Uptown Planners on Tuesday evening, June 3 at the Joyce Beers Community Center. Comments are welcome.
2. Maple Canyon Subcommittee Report – Presentation by Ellen Moxham regarding the recent formation of this group and their objectives.
All neighbors are encouraged to attend and give input.
Monday,
May 19,
2008
2008
Stephen Whitburn unveils plan for “Neighborhood Right-To-Know”
Councilmember Donna Frye and neighborhood residents joined Stephen Whitburn at the demolition site for the proposed Kensington Terrace development today for the unveiling of his “Neighborhood Right-to-Know Plan.” Whitburn said he was honored to stand with open government champion Donna Frye, as well as other San Diegans concerned with development impacts in older communities, for the announcement of the plan. “For too long, residents of many Mid-City communities have been the last to know about major development projects coming to their neighborhoods. My Neighborhood Right-to-Know Plan will help ensure neighbors are among the first to know about proposed changes to their community character – not the last.”
The core elements include:
1. Expanded Noticing Requirements for Development Projects – Right now neighborhoods get a perfunctory notice sent only to residents within 300 feet of the project.
2. City Hall in the Neighborhoods – Too often key development decisions are made during the day downtown at City Hall. Stephen wants the decision makers to go to the community more often.
3. More Public Review of Projects – Under no circumstances should any discretionary development projects go forward without at least a 90-day review period so that residents can determine the impacts of significant developments on their communities and work to develop ways to mitigate those impacts.
4. An Automatic 30-Day Review Period for Demolition of Potentially Historic Properties – Many District 3 residents have seen historic or potentially historic properties demolished overnight, without any public review, after an “over-the-counter” demolition permit is issued by the city. Stephen’s plan will require that Development Services Department staff hold any approvals of demolition or significant remodeling permits impacting properties 45 years old or older, for at least 30 days to assure the chance to review the proposal.
Councilmember Donna Frye said, “Stephen Whitburn has a proven record of fighting for neighborhoods and standing for reform. He has the integrity we need at City Hall – and the experience to hit the ground running and get things done.” Whitburn said that as our Councilmember, he will introduce the Neighborhood Right-to-Know Plan as one of his first acts after being sworn into office. He also pledged to work with both residents and community groups throughout District 3 to identify additional areas where the development process at City Hall is broken and needs to be fixed.
Sunday,
May 18,
2008
2008
“The
sumptuous proportions, the proud dignity of the bridge, encourage great
expectations, and one is not disappointed. While admiration is aroused
for the engineering skill which made this bridge possible, the thought
persists that the real architect of this colossal concrete viaduct was
a much higher power than the official engineer.”
— Eugen Neuhaus re: the Cabrillo Bridge in 1916’s “The San Diego
Garden Fair”
Saturday,
May 17,
2008
2008
— SF Mayor Gavin Newsom re: California Supreme Court same-sex marriage ruling
Friday,
May 16,
2008
2008
Days are running out to advertise with Pride
The annual souvenir program for this year’s LGBT Pride events is complete, but there is still time to be a part of a brand new publication brought to by SD Pride. 30,000 full-color copies will be distributed exclusively at the Pride festival in Balboa Park on July 19-20. The book will include a complete schedule of the weekend activities, maps, performances, entertainers, booth locator & more.
Prices for this inaugural edition of the full-color Pocket Guide begin at $400. Call 260-1929 before the end of May. Click here for a flier.
