Oppose 301 Spruce (Quince Apartments): Preserve Maple Canyon and Our Historic Neighborhood
The Issue
Problem
The City’s well intentioned Complete Communities Program (CCP) lacks necessary guardrails to ensure compliance with zoning rules, advance affordable housing goals and preserve San Diego’s historical and environmental resources, as the proposed 301 Spruce Project (known as Quince Apartments) shows.
The proposed 17-story and 10-story Quince Apartments Project is in the wrong location. It will be the tallest structure on Spruce Street and on Fourth Avenue between downtown and Hillcrest. Buildings dating back to 1913 and 1923 are slated for demolition. This project neither complements the neighborhood nor pays homage to local history.
A few of the many harmful environmental impacts
Consequences of other projects have not been considered, such as the multi-year Maple Canyon Restoration to protect the canyon’s fragile slope. Construction noise and dust, trucks and personnel, parking shortages, lane and road closures will be compounded.
Maple Canyon is the home to many native species of plants, animals and insects including red-masked green parrots and red tail hawks that roost in canyon trees, likely to be displaced.
Traffic patterns and congestion will change with the proposed 266 car garage exiting and entering via the quiet residential corner of 3rd Avenue and Spruce Street.
Why We Are Concerned
Unintended consequences of CCP include perpetuating our affordable housing shortage with only 22 of the 261 units designated as income restricted. Already strained fire protection, police patrols, schools and parking resources will worsen.
Size and design contrast between a 17/10 story building and the surrounding one- and two-story structures will permanently alter the quality of life for residents, small businesses and visitors. The many tourists who enjoy walking tours of notable architecture, landmarks and bridges will be negatively impacted. Utilization of solar panels for many residents suddenly within the shadow of this building will be limited or prohibitive.
Natural surroundings of Bankers Hill will be permanently altered when native species are displaced. The optimal balance of cityscapes and nature that San Diego has so successfully maintained by protecting its canyons over the years will begin to shift to become an urban environment like any other.
Action requested from Mayor Todd Gloria, Council Member Stephen Whitburn, San Diego City Council, and Uptown Planners
- Suspend CCP. Undertake a thorough assessment to prevent egregious and harmful consequences to our environment, historical legacy and quality of life.
- Reject the 17 floor, 261-unit, 301 Spruce Project. It is wrong for the neighborhood, wrong for the community, wrong for our city, wrong for area tourism and wrong for those needing affordable housing.
Want to stay informed on this project? Send contact info to NoGoOn301@gmail.com
Petition Closed
The Issue
Problem
The City’s well intentioned Complete Communities Program (CCP) lacks necessary guardrails to ensure compliance with zoning rules, advance affordable housing goals and preserve San Diego’s historical and environmental resources, as the proposed 301 Spruce Project (known as Quince Apartments) shows.
The proposed 17-story and 10-story Quince Apartments Project is in the wrong location. It will be the tallest structure on Spruce Street and on Fourth Avenue between downtown and Hillcrest. Buildings dating back to 1913 and 1923 are slated for demolition. This project neither complements the neighborhood nor pays homage to local history.
A few of the many harmful environmental impacts
Consequences of other projects have not been considered, such as the multi-year Maple Canyon Restoration to protect the canyon’s fragile slope. Construction noise and dust, trucks and personnel, parking shortages, lane and road closures will be compounded.
Maple Canyon is the home to many native species of plants, animals and insects including red-masked green parrots and red tail hawks that roost in canyon trees, likely to be displaced.
Traffic patterns and congestion will change with the proposed 266 car garage exiting and entering via the quiet residential corner of 3rd Avenue and Spruce Street.
Why We Are Concerned
Unintended consequences of CCP include perpetuating our affordable housing shortage with only 22 of the 261 units designated as income restricted. Already strained fire protection, police patrols, schools and parking resources will worsen.
Size and design contrast between a 17/10 story building and the surrounding one- and two-story structures will permanently alter the quality of life for residents, small businesses and visitors. The many tourists who enjoy walking tours of notable architecture, landmarks and bridges will be negatively impacted. Utilization of solar panels for many residents suddenly within the shadow of this building will be limited or prohibitive.
Natural surroundings of Bankers Hill will be permanently altered when native species are displaced. The optimal balance of cityscapes and nature that San Diego has so successfully maintained by protecting its canyons over the years will begin to shift to become an urban environment like any other.
Action requested from Mayor Todd Gloria, Council Member Stephen Whitburn, San Diego City Council, and Uptown Planners
- Suspend CCP. Undertake a thorough assessment to prevent egregious and harmful consequences to our environment, historical legacy and quality of life.
- Reject the 17 floor, 261-unit, 301 Spruce Project. It is wrong for the neighborhood, wrong for the community, wrong for our city, wrong for area tourism and wrong for those needing affordable housing.
Want to stay informed on this project? Send contact info to NoGoOn301@gmail.com
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Petition created on February 7, 2023