Exciting Update! 

I am thrilled to share an important update: Councilmember Foster has decided to remove the proposed Fairmount Avenue Fire Station from his budget priorities. This is a significant step forward, and it could not have happened without the strength and unity of our community. Your voices, through the petition, were heard loud and clear.

We sincerely thank Councilmember Foster for his leadership, thoughtful consideration, and dedication to the people he serves. By choosing to listen and act in alignment with community concerns, he has shown a true commitment to environmental stewardship, public safety, and transparent governance.

While we remain engaged and vigilant as the process continues, today we celebrate this meaningful progress. Thank you to everyone who stood with us, your advocacy made this possible.

Together, we are making a difference!

 

Dear Council Member Foster,

I am writing to express deep concern regarding the proposed Fairmount Avenue Fire Station, a project that has garnered significant opposition from our community. While we acknowledge the necessity of enhancing emergency response services in our area, the chosen site for this fire station presents numerous environmental and logistical challenges that cannot be overlooked.

A 2019 report by Dudek identified a multitude of sensitive receptors on the site that was acquired by the city in 2017 for the fire station. The proposed location infringes upon city-designated Multi-Habitat Planning Area (MHPA) and Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) lands, which are critical for preserving San Diego's biodiversity. Developing this area would not only disrupt local ecosystems, but also set a concerning precedent for future encroachments on protected lands.

The site's topography further complicates matters. Situated on a steep slope above Chollas Creek, construction would exacerbate stormwater runoff issues, increasing the risk of downstream flooding. This is particularly troubling given the recent flooding events in January 2024, which devastated communities along Chollas Creek. Residents fear that additional impervious surfaces will strain an already overburdened stormwater system, leading to more frequent and severe flooding incidents.

Moreover, the project's financial trajectory raises red flags. Initially estimated at $12 million, the cost has ballooned to over $25 million, with the design phase not expected to conclude until 2026. Such cost overruns suggest a lack of thorough planning and fiscal oversight, diverting funds from other critical infrastructure needs.

The opposition to this project is not isolated. Organizations such as the Chollas Creek Coalition, Groundwork San Diego, San Diego Canyonlands, Sierra Club San Diego Chapter, Eastern Area Communities Planning Committee, Webster Community Council, and Friends of Webster have all voiced strong objections to the environmental impacts this fire station would entail.

Our community is not against the establishment of a new fire station; we understand its importance. However, we urge you to reconsider the current site selection. Alternative locations that do not compromise environmental integrity and community safety should be explored.

Given the gravity of these concerns, we respectfully ask: Why has this project been added to your budget priorities prior to the completion and public release of the Environmental Impact Report and the Alternative Sites Review? Proceeding without these critical evaluations undermines public trust and the transparency expected in a decision of this magnitude..

In light of these issues, we respectfully urge you to withdraw the Fairmount Avenue Fire Station from your current budget priorities and to champion the selection of an alternative site—one that better reflects our city’s environmental commitments and prioritizes the safety and trust of its residents.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,