As a resident of City Heights, I care deeply about the future of our community. Over the past couple of years, I’ve attended many Mid-City Communities Plan Update working group meetings and listened to neighbors share their concerns and ideas about how our neighborhood should grow. One thing is clear: people want thoughtful development that meets our needs while protecting what makes City Heights special.

The Mid-City Community Plan has not been updated in nearly 30 years. This plan will guide how our neighborhoods grow over the next few decades, including decisions about housing, transportation, parks, and local businesses. Because of that, the choices we make now will shape the future of City Heights for a long time. Right now, the City is considering several different land use concepts. These are planning ideas that show where new housing, businesses, and services could be built in the future.

Two of the most promising options are Land Use Concept 2 and Land Use Concept 4. Land Use Concept 2 focuses on creating “transit villages” and stronger neighborhood centers. That means adding housing and local businesses near major transit stops and along key corridors while still allowing growth in surrounding neighborhoods. The goal is to make it easier for people to live close to jobs, transit, and daily services. Land Use Concept 4 spreads new housing more evenly across the community. Instead of concentrating growth in just a few areas, it allows moderate increases in housing throughout the neighborhood. This approach can help increase the overall housing supply while preventing too much pressure in any one location. Both of these concepts would help City Heights add more homes, which is critical as housing costs continue to rise. More housing supply can help make it easier for families, workers, and longtime residents to stay in the community.

Another option, Land Use Concept 5, takes a much narrower approach. It focuses almost entirely on adding density only around major transit centers and corridors. While transit-oriented development is important, limiting growth to just those areas does not address the broader housing and community needs across City Heights.

City Heights deserves a plan that reflects the voices of the people who live here. Concepts 2 and 4 better support housing access, economic opportunity, and long-term community stability. If you believe City Heights should grow in a way that is inclusive, balanced, and responsive to community needs, please join us in supporting further exploration of Land Use Concept 2 and Land Use Concept 4 and opposing Land Use Concept 5. Sign the petition and help ensure our community’s voice is heard!

More information: https://www.sandiego.gov/planning/mid-city-communities-plan-update

District 9 Contact: 619-236-6699, seanelorivera@sandiego.gov