Proposed Pacific Beach high-rise sparks controversy

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Residents of Pacific Beach are expressing outrage over a proposed 23-story high-rise that could be constructed just blocks from the ocean, with opponents claiming the developer is exploiting an affordable housing loophole to fast track the project.

Scott Chipman, a longtime resident of Pacific Beach, voiced concern that the community is being transformed by developers who want it to be a high-rise-heavy area like Miami Beach. Chipman and his family created a rendering of the proposed building to illustrate what they fear could happen.

“Everyone needs to be aware and unite against this type of insane development,” Chipman said.

The proposed project, by Los Angeles-based developer Kalonymus, would possibly include more than 200 units and seven stories for parking, leading to increased traffic on already narrow two-lane roads.

“There’s going to be 500 to 600 additional trips on these streets every day as a result of this,” he said.

Dr. Marcella Bothwell, chair of the Pacific Beach Planning Group, added that the proposed building would stand 238 feet tall with 213 units, some of which would be three-bedroom apartments.

Bothwell explained that the developer is taking advantage of AB 1287, California’s density bonus law. The law allows developers to receive waivers to local height restrictions if they meet specific affordable housing requirements. In this case, the developer has planned for 10 units designated for low and moderate-income residents, allowing them to bypass Proposition D’s 30-foot height limit in coastal zones and the city’s 60-foot limit in commercial areas.

“And once you blow those waivers, the city cannot say no,” Bothwell said. “Because the state said the city cannot say no, you can go as high as you want.”

Mayor Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Joe LaCava have already raised concerns about the project’s scale and whether it qualifies for a Proposition D waiver. The mayor has requested that state housing officials review the project’s eligibility.

Chipman said if the project is approved, the next step would be a legal challenge.

“We expect this to have to go to litigation to stop it,” he said.

A spokesperson for the developer argued that the project would provide more access for people to live in a beach community.

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