Mayoral Candidate Larry Turner Demands Reassessment of Proposed Shelter Lease After City Attorney’s Report

Larry Turner, mayoral candidate for San Diego, has called for an urgent reevaluation of Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed 30-year lease for a 1,000-bed homeless shelter at Kettner and Vine, after a critical report from the San Diego City Attorney’s Office.

Gloria’s plan includes the lease of a 65,000-square foot warehouse at Kettner Boulevard and Vine Street, with capacity to eventually house up to 1,000 homeless individuals. Operating the shelter would cost roughly $30 million per year, according to the mayor’s office.

“For years, past mayors and city councils have only engaged in ad-hoc, piecemeal, temporary approaches to addressing homelessness.” Gloria said of the proposal. “Our proposal for Hope at Vine ensures that the City’s response to homelessness is serious and will provide opportunity for those who are homeless now, and may become homeless in the future, to come off the streets and into care for years to come.”

However, a new City Attorney’s report cited several significant flaws in the lease proposal, according to Turner, including unresolved issues related to the building’s condition, questionable financial terms, and inadequate protections for taxpayers. The report underscores concerns about the city assuming rent payments before the completion of necessary renovations, potential environmental liabilities, and a lack of assurances regarding the property’s long-term retention.

“The attempt to expedite this lease without thorough review and proper due diligence is a disservice to the public.” Turner said. “We need a transparent and carefully considered approach that truly addresses the root causes of homelessness and ensures responsible use of public resources.”

Turner is calling for a delay in the vote to allow for a comprehensive review. He also advocates exploring alternative solutions that offer better financial and legal safeguards while effectively addressing homelessness.

“The city needs to hit the pause button and rethink this plan,” Turner added. “We owe it

to San Diegans to ensure that every decision made is in their best interest and that

public funds are managed with the utmost integrity.”

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the lease on Monday, July 22.