Monday, Aug. 11, 2008 | During the spring and summer of 2007, there were attempts to form a “community inclusive” Barrio Logan Community Planning Group. However, without the support of the local councilperson, it seemed there was no way for this group to be constructed nor sanctioned by our city council.
Surrounding the stakeholders committees, The community has had no real input nor method to refuse the apparently already drawn-up and in print “plans.” Where did these plans come from, who paid to make the color presentations, power points, maps, drawings, and displays? These plans are being presented at city planner meetings as the community plan “ideal.” Nevertheless, the community did not form nor contribute these plans. Does the City Council, those who “are the real drivers of redevelopment in our city,” really think that bypassing Council Policy 600-05, Council Policy 600-09, and Council Policy 600-24 are good ideas? As I read these policies, I see no allowance for anything other than a community-planning group —exactly where do these policies allow the City Council to overlay a stakeholder committee in the place of a community planning group?
The existing populations of Barrio Logan will likely become the next victims of redevelopment-gentrification. The seemingly economic and sustainable resources in the un-sustainable City of Villages plan are invading the once unique and diverse Barrios of southwest and southeast San Diego. The wages and benefits of a service industry job will not cover the cost of living in San Diego. Our community will likely become “outdated,” then “updated,” and finally “redeveloped.” I am no city planner, but I have seen the post-development effects upon our populations. I believe it is neither right, fair, nor just that people be pushed from their neighborhoods to try to find housing in an ever more critical housing environment.