HBA forum plans the future of Hillcrest

Over 30 people took part in the Hillcrest Business Association’s Hillcrest 2.0 Business Forum Thursday evening at the Ruby Kitchen. Howard Blackstone presented information on density in our neighborhood and how it might relate to the Community Plan Update. Student groups from UCSD also presented case studies including talks about the feasibility of creating a Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) for the eastern side of Hillcrest. The businesses in this area felt that security was a major concern. The second group studied the idea of creating a lid over Highway 163 that could provide open space, parking or more business area. The final group talked about the value of public art, what it brings to a community and how it can be funded. The evening concluded with participants dividing into groups and mapping out their vision for future development in the neighborhood.