Preserving Our Past and Protecting Our Future

By Councilman Todd Gloria

From historic, single-family arts and crafts-style residences to modern multi-unit complexes, from mid-rise commercial buildings to strip malls, the complexities of San Diego’s land use patterns are exemplified in North Park and other Council District 3 neighborhoods.
As buildings age and neighborhoods deal with an influx of people, I believe it is critical that we preserve our past and protect our future.
I am proud that the Land Use and Housing Committee is tackling issues that illustrate the range of issues we must address to strengthen our communities.
Protect Our Future
San Diegans should be proud that we are leaders in renewable energy generation.  The installation of 2,262 solar roofs in San Diego has displaced the carbon footprint of 12,000 homes.  The most economically efficient strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions lies in reducing consumption.
Building design can greatly increase energy and water efficiency, and I believe an effective Sustainable Building Policy for San Diego is long overdue.
My vision for such a policy includes mandatory energy efficiency standards for all new public buildings, as well as an incentive program to encourage private development to voluntarily implement sustainability measures.  There are economically intelligent ways to reduce our consumption without impeding necessary development.  At my request, city staff provided an update on the status of the city’s Sustainable Building Policies at the LUH meeting on Sept. 2.  Working with stakeholders, a complete draft ordinance should be ready for review by the committee by November. I appreciate the importance of a well-crafted policy and advocate for the quick passage and implementation of requirements for improved efficiency in public and private buildings.

Preserve Our Past
Use and renovation of existing buildings can be greener than brand new development. San Diego and Council District 3 is home to a variety of historic structures and neighborhoods. I was overjoyed earlier this year that Burlingame was recognized as the newest official geographic historic district.
The Sept. 23 Land Use and Housing Committee meeting was Historic Resources Day where the committee focused exclusively on issues concerning historic preservation. The committee considered options to preserve community character by strengthening the review process for applications to demolish or significantly modify potentially historic homes. Input  was also given on a proposal to establish historic conservation districts based on successful models from other cities. In addition, the committee considered revisions to the Land Development Code and General Plan that will provide incentives and remove disincentives for preserving historical resources.
The Land Use and Housing Committee received updates on the Mills Act reforms that were enacted by the City Council last year, as well as status updates on proposed historic districts in Kensington, Mission Hills and the Dryden neighborhood of North Park.
To stay up to date, you may sign up for my e-newsletter on the Council District 3 Website, www.sandiego.gov/cd3 and visit the City Clerk’s Website for Land Use and Housing agendas and actions, www.sandiego.gov/cd3/city-clerk.
Whether your interest is in land use or other city-related matters, please stay in touch with me. To make our dialogue easier, I am hosting regular community coffees and attending several local neighborhood civic group meetings this fall.  The full calendar is updated regularly on my Website. Your input and involvement is critical. Only together will we make the progress you deserve.

Councilman Todd Gloria can be reached at the District 3 office at (619) 236-6633; Fax (619) 595-1481; e-mail: toddgloria@sandiego.gov.