SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[SDfan]

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/22/house-future-planned-balboa-park-2015/

House of the future planned in Balboa Park
Nanotechnology, biomimicry, sewage plant, but no hearth in this home

Nanotechnology, self-contained energy and sewage systems, a green wall and roof and more might be coming in a house of the future, planned for Balboa Park in 2015.

The San Diego Regional Sustainability Partnership wants to build a 3,000-square-foot futuristic house filled with technology and gadgets now only on the drawing boards.

A low-water-using garden, visitor center, transportation building and products pavilion also are planned on the site of about three-quarters of an acre. A location has not yet been selected.

[SDCAL]

Would it really increase the value?

I'm only against Wal-Mart because I hate the big box design with an ocean of parking. But if they can just renovate the building I wouldn't be against it.

They complain about the minimum wage jobs/non-unions, as if the mom and pop stores are high paying unionized jobs.

If they do come in, maybe we can get other better stores to come in

Speaking of Wal Mart, weren't they supposed to be pioneering some "urban market" concept on J Street at the TR produce building? That place has been vacant for as long as I can remember. Part of it has pictures in the window that allude to a produce market, but it has been that way for years. I wonder if anyone knows if that Wal Mart concept is still planned or dead?

[SDCAL]

http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/37-Year-Lease-Awarded-to-Operator-of-Lindbergh-Field-139563323.html

A 37 year lease and the article brags about building new hangars, parking structures, terminals, etc. but no mention of what they plan to do about RUNWAY SPACE.

Are people in this town really too inept to see what is going on here?

Our airport is planning on building waiting areas, parking spaces, new restaurants, and ways to transfer and hold more passengers, but ignoring the one, short runway issue.

Their plans are pretty much telling us they are making the airport bigger and nicer because, as the years roll by, waiting for flights will become much, much longer.

[mello]

Totally agree with you about the airport, I guess there is just no will to push the Miramar issue anymore and Brown Field won't work so.... The only solution I can see is Palomar stepping up and becoming like a Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. The runway there will be lengthened so maybe it can suck up a decent percentage of N. County traffic in the long term.

As far as the empty TR produce building and all of the empty retail in the ballpark area... What gives? Why not drop the lease rates and get something going there? I think it really is time that City Hall steps in on this, those spaces have been empty since 2007!

[202_Cyclist]

mello:
Totally agree with you about the airport, I guess there is just no will to push the Miramar issue anymore and Brown Field won't work so.... The only solution I can see is Palomar stepping up and becoming like a Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. The runway there will be lengthened so maybe it can suck up a decent percentage of N. County traffic in the long term.


There is a start-up carrier, California Pacific Airlines (http://www.flycpair.com/), that is seeking to begin service to the Bay Area, Sacramento, PHX, Las Vegas, and Cabo from Palomar. The airline would use Embraer 190 aircraft, one of the most fuel-efficient planes. There's what, 1M - 1.5M residents in North County, another 100,000 - 200,000 in southern OC, and a couple of hundred thousand people in southwest Riverside County, for whom Palomar service could be competitive.

Carlsbad airline gets key FAA approval
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/02/faa-gives-key-approval-carlsbad-based-airline/

[SDCAL]

Market and 13th, across fom Albertson's in East Village now is walled-off on all four sides with wood.

No signs indicate construction so can't tell if it's a project going up, parking lot resurfacing, or something else.

Anyone know??

[HurricaneHugo]

Market and 13th, across fom Albertson's in East Village now is walled-off on all four sides with wood.

No signs indicate construction so can't tell if it's a project going up, parking lot resurfacing, or something else.

Anyone know??

Damnit I was just about to report it.

Hopefully 13th and Market is ready to go up.

http://ccdc.com/scripts/gis/webportal/common/download.aspx?id=1070

[eburress]

^^ Nice - I like it!

Ariel Suites' construction has also started in Little Italy. I'm sure folks have already seen it, but bmfarley posted this over at Skyscrapercity.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/farleybrandon/SD%20Bldg%20Pics/ArielSuites1.jpg

[aquablue]

Totally agree with you about the airport, I guess there is just no will to push the Miramar issue anymore and Brown Field won't work so.... The only solution I can see is Palomar stepping up and becoming like a Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. The runway there will be lengthened so maybe it can suck up a decent percentage of N. County traffic in the long term.

As far as the empty TR produce building and all of the empty retail in the ballpark area... What gives? Why not drop the lease rates and get something going there? I think it really is time that City Hall steps in on this, those spaces have been empty since 2007!

Why won't Brown Field work? There are plenty of examples of airports with mountains around them and they work fine as commercial airport.

I looked at Palomar on the map, it looks like it doesn't have room for expansion and the runway is short.

[eburress]

Why won't Brown Field work? There are plenty of examples of airports with mountains around them and they work fine as commercial airport.

I looked at Palomar on the map, it looks like it doesn't have room for expansion and the runway is short.

Next to Miramar, Brown Field seems to make the most sense. Still, it's not going to happen as long as this city continues to be run by the gutless and inept.

[aquablue]

People were saying it won't work due to mountains

[mello]

People were saying it won't work due to mountains

I think an issue with the flight paths at Brown Field is that Tijuana's Airport is just to the south of it. If the incoming flight path were from the west to avoid the high mountains to the east than the planes would have to veer to the south after taking off to the east and that is directly in to the flight path of Tijuana Rodriquez.

If incoming flights came in from the east they would have to come in from the South East because the mountains are to the North East and that would also interfere with TJ Rod Intl...

The San Ysidro Mountains top out at 3800 feet and sit North East of Brown Field. Flat airspace lies to the South East of BF but that is exactly where the incoming flights for TJ are. I think that many officials believe a very busy Brown Field (if you made it a commercial airport) would get very tricky. Hope you understand my explanation.

[HurricaneHugo]

Article on Wal Mart coming to Sherman Heights.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/29/walmart-plans-smaller-sd-store/

In a sign of intensifying competition for food dollars, the retail giant Walmart is bringing its smaller grocery-store format to a vacant building in one of San Diego County’s more depressed urban areas.

Walmart will announce today that it is leasing a vacant building in Logan Heights for its first local Neighborhood Market, about one-third the size of a Supercenter.

http://media.utsandiego.com/img/photos/2012/02/29/UTI1633749_t620.jpg?3ba288e077780dca5879b70fc3e0b2d025cf5799

http://media.utsandiego.com/img/photos/2012/02/29/UTI1633705_t620.jpg?3ba288e077780dca5879b70fc3e0b2d025cf5799

[SD_Phil]

^That's a good move.

[Derek]

If all Walmarts were that size, I'd have more respect for them. :P

[S.DviaPhilly]

I hate to be a buzzkill, but I am not a huge fan of this project. It takes up a whole city block and it is only 6 stories tall and a rental. This parcel should be built up tall as Market St. is a main corridor through our city. The park is going to be there, hopefully the Chargers stadium, Ballpark Village, etc. and this huge parcel is going to be this mid/low rise building...eh! Take out all the lush landscaping and I do not think it is that special. It is better than a parking lot, but once this is built it will remain for all of our lifetimes. For me, I think the 1980's cars in the picture sum it up. How disappointing!



Damnit I was just about to report it.

Hopefully 13th and Market is ready to go up.

http://ccdc.com/scripts/gis/webportal/common/download.aspx?id=1070

[HurricaneHugo]

Meh.

There's plenty of room on Market for taller buildings in the future.

[HurricaneHugo]

^That's a good move.

I would prefer if it was a regular Wal Mart instead of a grocery one since we have plenty of grocery stores around.

Currently I go to the Chula Vista/NC one...

[S.DviaPhilly]

Meh.

There's plenty of room on Market for taller buildings in the future.


Not really...and this is a whole block, it is not part of the block. I think it is a waste of prime future development.

[HurricaneHugo]

It fits with the scale of the rest of the area east of Park Boulevard.

[202_Cyclist]

Derek:
If all Walmarts were that size, I'd have more respect for them.

Walmart plans four stores here in DC and some of them are mixed-use with residential units above them and surprisingly attractive.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKK7yqMSPr4/TyHJ6bUKloI/AAAAAAAAASY/bDLQCXdxxGs/s400/Walmart%2B801%2BNJ%2BAve.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhEJxTFW1Nc/TyHMAaMxVuI/AAAAAAAAAS8/h_LnoVSUKPk/s400/Fort%2BTotten%2BWalmart.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

801 New Jersey Ave Walmart Set To Break Ground In Spring, Spokesman for JBG Says
http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/01/801-new-jersey-ave-walmart-set-to-break.html

[eburress]

Derek:


Walmart plans four stores here in DC and some of them are mixed-use with residential units above them and surprisingly attractive.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKK7yqMSPr4/TyHJ6bUKloI/AAAAAAAAASY/bDLQCXdxxGs/s400/Walmart%2B801%2BNJ%2BAve.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhEJxTFW1Nc/TyHMAaMxVuI/AAAAAAAAAS8/h_LnoVSUKPk/s400/Fort%2BTotten%2BWalmart.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

801 New Jersey Ave Walmart Set To Break Ground In Spring, Spokesman for JBG Says
http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/01/801-new-jersey-ave-walmart-set-to-break.html

I will never ever step foot in a Walmart, but those definitely look cool! :)

[202_Cyclist]

eburress:
I will never ever step foot in a Walmart, but those definitely look cool!

At another point I would have thought the same thing but I think most of the sales at Walmart will come at the expense of other big-box national stores, not the mom & pop stores. Additionally, here in DC at least, DC residents are still shopping at Walmart or Costco but they're going out to the suburbs to do this. This means that the suburban jurisdictions and not the District (or San Diego) gets the tax revenue from these sales.

[eburress]

eburress:


At another point I would have thought the same thing but I think most of the sales at Walmart will come at the expense of other big-box national stores, not the mom & pop stores. Additionally, here in DC at least, DC residents are still shopping at Walmart or Costco but they're going out to the suburbs to do this. This means that the suburban jurisdictions and not the District (or San Diego) gets the tax revenue from these sales.

That's part of it, but my main reason for not wanting to step foot in a Walmart is that they seem to attract the lowest of the low. Even a Walmart in the "nicest" parts of town still attracts all the cockroaches of society (e.g., somebody tried to kidnap my month-old baby boy at a Walmart).

[HurricaneHugo]

No wonder I feel right at home when I go!

[SDCAL]

Meh.

There's plenty of room on Market for taller buildings in the future.

But the thing I don't like is how lop-sided market street looks. If you are near 10th and market looking west, there are lots of high-rises on the left, compared to none on the other side. I wish they would balance it out some.

[Derek]

Derek:


Walmart plans four stores here in DC and some of them are mixed-use with residential units above them and surprisingly attractive.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKK7yqMSPr4/TyHJ6bUKloI/AAAAAAAAASY/bDLQCXdxxGs/s400/Walmart%2B801%2BNJ%2BAve.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhEJxTFW1Nc/TyHMAaMxVuI/AAAAAAAAAS8/h_LnoVSUKPk/s400/Fort%2BTotten%2BWalmart.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

801 New Jersey Ave Walmart Set To Break Ground In Spring, Spokesman for JBG Says
http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/01/801-new-jersey-ave-walmart-set-to-break.html

I will never ever step foot in a Walmart, but those definitely look cool! :)

That's part of it, but my main reason for not wanting to step foot in a Walmart is that they seem to attract the lowest of the low. Even a Walmart in the "nicest" parts of town still attracts all the cockroaches of society (e.g., somebody tried to kidnap my month-old baby boy at a Walmart).



I agree on all points, and yes those Wal-Marts do look nice! :)


I just try to avoid Wal-Mart in general. I go to Target...... :evil:



I've just had better experiences with Target, and some not so good ones with Wal-Mart. I haven't even been to a Wal-Mart since I moved to Portland in September!!

[eburress]

I agree on all points, and yes those Wal-Marts do look nice! :)


I just try to avoid Wal-Mart in general. I go to Target...... :evil:



I've just had better experiences with Target, and some not so good ones with Wal-Mart. I haven't even been to a Wal-Mart since I moved to Portland in September!!

Oh wow - you did in fact move! Nice - congrats! How do you feel like Portland compares to SD? More or less NIMBYs? More or less competent city government? Is the male/female relationship better than Man Diego's 9 to 1?

(I've never been to Portland so I'm honestly wondering)

[Derek]

Oh wow - you did in fact move! Nice - congrats! How do you feel like Portland compares to SD? More or less NIMBYs? More or less competent city government? Is the male/female relationship better than Man Diego's 9 to 1?

(I've never been to Portland so I'm honestly wondering)

It's waaaaay more urban and center-city oriented. It's still car dependent but the rail system here functions a bit better than San Diego's. The government is definitely a little bit more competent. :laugh:


Less NIMBYs for sure, but there are still vocal ones, although they tend to not be in the center city.


I'm not sure about the 9/1 male to female ratio. I never even knew that was the case for San Diego. I've got a girlfriend so I haven't really noticed. :)



I do like the girls up here better though, they've got a better attitude and aren't as "fake", if you know what I mean!


You should take a trip up here sometime. :D

[HurricaneHugo]

But the thing I don't like is how lop-sided market street looks. If you are near 10th and market looking west, there are lots of high-rises on the left, compared to none on the other side. I wish they would balance it out some.

Just a tad. (My pic)

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/429492_10100784441484804_3317344_58416326_323607327_n.jpg

[mello]

Question about the convention center. I thought everything was set to go and then I read an article in the UT about possible huge delays and a vote by the citizens? Wtf? I thought there was only a vote by the hotel owners and thats it. Can someone explain what is going on? Thanks.

[eburress]

Question about the convention center. I thought everything was set to go and then I read an article in the UT about possible huge delays and a vote by the citizens? Wtf? I thought there was only a vote by the hotel owners and thats it. Can someone explain what is going on? Thanks.

Clearly you forgot this was San Diego! :)

[Derek]

Citizen vote? Congratulations again, San Diego! Nothing will happen!



What a shame.

[Derek]

http://www.alaskaair.com/content/deals/special-offers/fly-dca.aspx?CID=Brand_Vanity_||2012FLYDCA_AW||

[Urbanize_It]

The existing structures have been demolished at the 14th & Island site. Does anyone know if the park is finally being built out or if Pinnacle is starting construction?

[SDfan]

Question, does anyone, know anything about this project? Any updates? I had read somewhere they were building a second office tower comparable in height to the one on the site now, but I have no idea whats going on otherwise.

La Jolla Commons
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3674/ljcommonsgq2.jpg

[HurricaneHugo]

Checking out the crime data for last year

http://www.sandiego.gov/police/pdf/201112cumneighbor.pdf

I find it interesting that the hippy infested Golden Hill had more murders and comparative crimes to the "ghetto areas across the freeway."

[Grumbo Griel]

Checking out the crime data for last year

http://www.sandiego.gov/police/pdf/201112cumneighbor.pdf

I find it interesting that the hippy infested Golden Hill had more murders and comparative crimes to the "ghetto areas across the freeway."

Having lived in Golden Hill for a few years, I'm not surprised by those crime statistics. I love Golden Hill, but there's no doubt that despite some yuppification this is still an urban environment, with the drugs, prostitution, homelessness, and (sometimes) violent crime that entails.

I think its also fairly obvious that there isn't some fundamental divide between Golden Hill and Sherman Heights (the neighborhood across the freeway, right?). In fact, the two neighborhoods are significantly intertwined, with a fair amount of mobility between them, and plenty of families and social groups with feet on both sides of the highway.

So, I assume both neighborhoods rise and fall on the same tides, and --putting small sample sizes aside -- crime won't really drop off in either place unless it drops off in both places. Presumably, both neighborhoods should hope for an improved economy, more local jobs paying middle-class wages, more support for local businesses, better services for the homeless, improved local schools, another wave of East Village development, and so on...

[kpexpress]

I hate to be a buzzkill, but I am not a huge fan of this project. It takes up a whole city block and it is only 6 stories tall and a rental. This parcel should be built up tall as Market St. is a main corridor through our city. The park is going to be there, hopefully the Chargers stadium, Ballpark Village, etc. and this huge parcel is going to be this mid/low rise building...eh! Take out all the lush landscaping and I do not think it is that special. It is better than a parking lot, but once this is built it will remain for all of our lifetimes. For me, I think the 1980's cars in the picture sum it up. How disappointing!

That parcel falls within the Solar-Access Overlay which governs the height of any structure built there to ensure the park has adequate solar access. If you look closely you will see that the building steps back a few 10 feet on the top floor, this is so it fits in the overlay envelope.

[spoonman]

Question, does anyone, know anything about this project? Any updates? I had read somewhere they were building a second office tower comparable in height to the one on the site now, but I have no idea whats going on otherwise.

La Jolla Commons
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3674/ljcommonsgq2.jpg

I've been waiting for this to pick up for some time. There's supposed to be an office tower, and a luxury hotel (think it was a Mandarin Oriental or another W Hotel) being constructed there. I think this is still shelved until the hotel and office markets rebound. That said, I understand that the SD office market now has one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country.

[OneMetropolis]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/7000760889_43da2f03e0.jpg

[eburress]

Question, does anyone, know anything about this project? Any updates? I had read somewhere they were building a second office tower comparable in height to the one on the site now, but I have no idea whats going on otherwise.

La Jolla Commons
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3674/ljcommonsgq2.jpg

The latest I've heard through a friend who's in commercial real estate is that they've scrapped their former hotel and condo tower plans and are going to proceed with a much smaller office building, similar in scale to the one that was built.

[SDCAL]

That parcel falls within the Solar-Access Overlay which governs the height of any structure built there to ensure the park has adequate solar access. If you look closely you will see that the building steps back a few 10 feet on the top floor, this is so it fits in the overlay envelope.

Pardon my ignorance, but what park are you guys referring to??

This is the project in front of Albertson's, right? I'm not aware of a park there.

[SDCAL]

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/mar/22/san-diego-enlists-dreamliner-help-make-its-airport/

It seems like we will be stuck with Linbergh Field for our lifetimes anyway. :yuck:

[Lipani]

Sad to say, but we'll have "Star Trek" transportation technology before that beast gets nixed.

[S.DviaPhilly]

Pardon my ignorance, but what park are you guys referring to??

This is the project in front of Albertson's, right? I'm not aware of a park there.

East Village Green is a proposed park on the parcel of land across the street from 13th and Market. It is supposed to be the largest park in East Village!

[mongoXZ]

I took a quick drive to downtown on this very beautiful sunny day and had some observations:

*The main supports for the new library's dome have been installed and it looks HUGE from the 5 freeway. Looks like rollercoaster tracks. cant wait to see the final result.

*Broadstone in Little Italy has started construction
http://ccdc.com/scripts/gis/webportal/common/download.aspx?id=1028
CCDC

*Ariel Suites has also begun!
http://ccdc.com/scripts/gis/webportal/common/download.aspx?id=1066
CCDC

From the U-T
Fat City Lofts may give way to hotels
Planning Commission appeal on hold pending new proposal for site opposite Solar Turbines

http://media.utsandiego.com/img/photos/2012/02/23/RevisedFatCityLoftsRenderings2_r620x349.jpg?75d51d0aea2efce5189afce216053cbc530c46a8

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/mar/28/fat-city-lofts-give-way-hotel/

[mello]

Really upset that the fight for the Fat City property looks like it can't be won. We need more residents in Little Italy to really make it a vibrant neighborhood. Oh well at least something will get built there. Stoked about Broadstone and Ariel, LI is becoming a very impressive hood.

[laguna]

It looks just like the Q building that Segal built on India. This guy has only 2 designs in his pea brain, this design and the other cheap-ass cinderblock and stucco look with the steep front steps that he built all over Little Italy. Go inside the Q units and see all the hanging wires and miss-matched crap in them. If you dont see inside the units, walk inside the hallway off India St. by the coffee shop and and walk around to see what junk this dork builds before you sing his praises.

Segal wants to build a hotel! Earth to Jonathan-the occupancy rate in SD hotels is not very good. Its just a ploy to force the turbine companies hand on the condo idea.

[LosAngelesDreamin]

I took a quick drive to downtown on this very beautiful sunny day and had some observations:

*The main supports for the new library's dome have been installed and it looks HUGE from the 5 freeway. Looks like rollercoaster tracks. cant wait to see the final result.



TOTALLY!! I had training at Naval Base Coronado and the views of downtown from the bay bridge going back onto the 5 looks soooooo gorgeous... makes u realize how big the city is =D and the dome looks awesome from that view... imagine the impact it would have on the skyline once finished :yes:

[HurricaneHugo]

http://i.imgur.com/2mZgo.jpg

Picture I took a couple of days ago.

Wish my windshield was cleaner...

[SDCAL]

It looks just like the Q building that Segal built on India. This guy has only 2 designs in his pea brain, this design and the other cheap-ass cinderblock and stucco look with the steep front steps that he built all over Little Italy. Go inside the Q units and see all the hanging wires and miss-matched crap in them. If you dont see inside the units, walk inside the hallway off India St. by the coffee shop and and walk around to see what junk this dork builds before you sing his praises.

Segal wants to build a hotel! Earth to Jonathan-the occupancy rate in SD hotels is not very good. Its just a ploy to force the turbine companies hand on the condo idea.

I'm not sure it's a ploy, a Hotel that close to the airport might make sense.

[SDCAL]

I must admit the models and renderings of the new library didn't do it justice because it was hard to get a feel for the scale of it.

Now that it's taking shape I'm really excited, I think it's going to be a defining piece of architecture for the east village and for our city in general.

[LosAngelesDreamin]

I must admit the models and renderings of the new library didn't do it justice because it was hard to get a feel for the scale of it.

Now that it's taking shape I'm really excited, I think it's going to be a defining piece of architecture for the east village and for our city in general.

I think it's always like that... just like how San Franciscans in the past hated renderings of the Transamerica Pyramid? But once it was built it became loved and is now the landmark of SF. Renderings don't do anything justice just like pics New York City don't do it justice... you have to actually go to New York City in person and see it in the "flesh" to actually get the full impact of the city's awesomeness :P

[spoonman]

Anyone have pics of the Aeriel Suites tower, or any other projects in Little Italy that are under construction?

[OneMetropolis]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7065788269_edbe00d458_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62694428@N04/7065788269/)


Honestly this thing gonna be so cool when its finished.

[HurricaneHugo]

Petco and the Library

http://i.imgur.com/INgYV.jpg

[kpexpress]

http://www.ccdc.com/images/stories/downloads/meetings-and-events/event-calendar/2012/April_2012_CCAC_PreDesign_Item_4_Park_and_G.pdf

We saw this project at Predesign one Tuesday. What does everyone think?

Also, there is a big meeting coming up next month where we will review a Bosa project designed by KPF. I have nothing on it; does anyone know anything about it?

[mello]

Only 5 floors? This looks like a decent project for Sherman Heights of Barrio Logan but in my opinion not downtown worthy. Very uninspiring, and dull. I think anything built in downtown should be atleast 7 to 8 stories to get that Madrid/Paris streetscape going.

[HurricaneHugo]

Yes please, build stuff in Sherman Heights!

[spoonman]

Anyone been to this site? It details the vision for new Trolley/Subway routes through 2050.

http://www.sandiegorailproject.com/

[Derek]

Anyone been to this site? It details the vision for new Trolley/Subway routes through 2050.

http://www.sandiegorailproject.com/

Some of those lines make too much sense.



They'll never happen.

[mello]

^^^ Question regarding this kind of thing, where is LA getting all of the money to build its rail projects the last few years? We are struggling to build that rinky dink line up to UTC that already has a right of way for most of its length and they are building stuff like gang busters.... What gives, LA is broke as shit just like the City of SD so how are they able to have all of those funds?

[spoonman]

^^^ Question regarding this kind of thing, where is LA getting all of the money to build its rail projects the last few years? We are struggling to build that rinky dink line up to UTC that already has a right of way for most of its length and they are building stuff like gang busters.... What gives, LA is broke as shit just like the City of SD so how are they able to have all of those funds?

LA freeways are very neglected and in need of maintenance. SD seems to be balancing roads and rail more equally. Orange County is focused solely on roads.

[mello]

LA freeways are very neglected and in need of maintenance. SD seems to be balancing roads and rail more equally. Orange County is focused solely on roads.

True, but really the only thing we have been doing lately is expanding the 15. The 5 hasn't begun its expansion yet. The 78 could also be widened from Vista through the 15, that has become a terrible backup both east and west bound.

Has the 52 been extended to the 67 yet? Anyhow you didn't really answer my question as to where the money is coming from for this LA rail boom.

[OneMetropolis]

LA freeways are very neglected and in need of maintenance. SD seems to be balancing roads and rail more equally. Orange County is focused solely on roads.

Thats really not the reason. Huge funds were used to fix up the 405 freeway in LA like a year ago, and it was dubbed carrmageddon, and I am sure they also have other projects and money being used to fix up their plethora of freeways as well. It's beacause of a measure that was passed in LA like years ago called Measure R, which raises taxes to help pay for transportation projects in LA. Also their mayor has huge support for transportation development, and has made a measure called 30/10 which is like 30 projects in ten years which would get funding from the government, as LA pays it back with the money made from Measure R. So basically like a pay check in advance.

[mello]

Thats really not the reason. Huge funds were used to fix up the 405 freeway in LA like a year ago, and it was dubbed carrmageddon, and I am sure they also have other projects and money being used to fix up their plethora of freeways as well. It's beacause of a measure that was passed in LA like years ago called Measure R, which raises taxes to help pay for transportation projects in LA. Also their mayor has huge support for transportation development, and has made a measure called 30/10 which is like 30 projects in ten years which would get funding from the government, as LA pays it back with the money made from Measure R. So basically like a pay check in advance.

So why hasn't anyone floated a measure like this in San Diego. It is obviously working just 120 miles to our North "hello McFly." Pass a measure and boom rail up the arse lol. :shrug:

[OneMetropolis]

Not enough effort on San Diego's part I am guessing.

[spoonman]

My perspective

What I was getting at in my post was that priorities are the driving factor in getting these projects done (or envisioned). LA's priorities are not in freeway building, which is how they've been able to shift funds and pass measures.

LA has not held freeways as a priority since the freeway revolts of the 70's. Their traffic is as bad as it is because many of the envisioned routes were never built. LA largely stopped execution of it's vision due to revolts and changing priorities. Unfortunately that change in priorities somehow evolved into total neglect and apathy. This neglect has made the existing freeways unable to stay current with demand, as have SD and OC freeways. In contrast, San Diego has nearly completed it's long term freeway system envisioned in the 40's and 50's. So has Orange County.

As far as the 405 goes, adding one lane in each direction is a band-aid and a joke. Another example of neglect is the 5 from downtown LA to the OC county line. There the 5 are only 3 lanes each way. There are very few major freeway projects underway in LA, as freeway projects don't fit the progressive agenda. The mantra is let the freeways rot until people embrace rail as the solution (not that I think it's not viable).

I agree more needs to be done in SD to accelerate rail growth such as passing a measure like a one-cent sales tax increase. My point though was that everything is just a matter of priorities (not that this is something we don't already know), and LA has probably been able to push further quicker because major new freeway projects are a non-starter.

As far as SD's recent freeway progress goes, I actually believe SANDAG and Caltrans have done a good job. Some major recent and ongoing projects include:

-15 additional managed lanes
-Completed the 56 freeway (better late than never)
-Completed the 52 extension to the 67 freeway
-Completed the 125 extension to the border
-Starting work on the 905 extension to the Otay Mesa crossing
-Extending carpool lanes onto the 805 with new Direct Access ramps at Sorrento Vly Rd

I wish they would add the additional connector ramps needed for the 56...that's my peeve.

[bmfarley]

^^^ Question regarding this kind of thing, where is LA getting all of the money to build its rail projects the last few years? We are struggling to build that rinky dink line up to UTC that already has a right of way for most of its length and they are building stuff like gang busters.... What gives, LA is broke as shit just like the City of SD so how are they able to have all of those funds?

Here is why:
LA has funding with Measure R, a local half-cent sales tax measure
10 million people as a tax base
Decision to focus on mass transit

SD County has:
A bit less for sales tax for transportation
3 million people as a tax base
Decision to focus on highways for improvements

[kpexpress]

Only 5 floors? This looks like a decent project for Sherman Heights of Barrio Logan but in my opinion not downtown worthy. Very uninspiring, and dull. I think anything built in downtown should be atleast 7 to 8 stories to get that Madrid/Paris streetscape going.

5 floors above podium. Any taller and they go into a different type construction = more $$. Bare minimum in this economy.

[202_Cyclist]

OneMetropolis:
Thats really not the reason. Huge funds were used to fix up the 405 freeway in LA like a year ago, and it was dubbed carrmageddon, and I am sure they also have other projects and money being used to fix up their plethora of freeways as well. It's beacause of a measure that was passed in LA like years ago called Measure R, which raises taxes to help pay for transportation projects in LA. Also their mayor has huge support for transportation development, and has made a measure called 30/10 which is like 30 projects in ten years which would get funding from the government, as LA pays it back with the money made from Measure R. So basically like a pay check in advance.

You're correct that LA County voters agreed to raise their sales tax by one-half cent in 2008 to pay for transportation (mostly transit but some highway) improvements: http://www.metro.net/projects/measurer/. The 30/10 Plan would be a federal commitment to provide low-interest loans to LA County to be paid back with the Measure R sales tax revenue over several decades. Although Antonio Villarigosa has articulately and forcefully been advocating this to Congress, it has so far gone largely nowhere, with the Republicans in Congress more focused on how they can provide more tax loopholes to billionaires and oil companies, than on how we can build (or even maintain) our infrastructure. LA's Crenshaw line, which would connect to LAX (or near LAX) has received a $546M loan from the federal government in 2010. Construction on the Crenshaw line is expected to begin this summer.

As noted above, part of the difference between San Diego and Los Angeles is different priorities of the local political leadership. Former mayor Tom Bradley had a very large role in getting the Red Line built (http://metroprimaryresources.info/25-years-ago-today-los-angeles-red-line-subway-breaks-ground/1755/) and today, the commitment from Antonio Villariagosa has been essential to the planning and construction of these other lines for LA County.

Another reason for the difference is likely political commitment in Washington. LA County has a much larger and more unified congressional delegation in Washington than San Diego County does and with more seniority. Here is a map showing Federal Transit Administration New Starts funding in FY2010:

http://www.iwillride.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/image4.png
Image courtesy of www.iwillride.org.

Los Angeles County has received a small amount of New Starts transit funding, but as you can see, even cities like Salt Lake, Phoenix, and Houston, all of these not usually thought of having extensive transit systems, have received considerable New Starts funding in recent years. An effort by local citizens and the local business community to inform the San Diego congressional delegation about the importance of transit would probably be helpful.

[S.DviaPhilly]

5 floors above podium. Any taller and they go into a different type construction = more $$. Bare minimum in this economy.

Then I say wait do not build it, it is boring and pretty drab and ugly. 13th and Market is 6 stories and even though it is not my favorite at least it has some character. Why build the "bare minimum" in our city? San Diego is way too nice for bare minimum. Bare minimum to me is the building between Park and 13th off Market where the 711 is and that building is hideous! (my apologies if anyone lives in there)

Not sure why, but I understand that construction loans are going through a lot easier for rental buildings than condo buildings. We need more condo buildings asap, there are only 175 condos on the market in all of 92101! A couple years ago there was well over 600! If SD keeps building these low-rise rentals, soon that is what downtown will turn into, or at least East Village and thats just not right!

[mello]

So what do you guys think is there any political will for a Measure R type of program for San Diego County? I understand LA County is bigger etc. but if they have 4 to 5 lines under construction you think San Diego could have 2 going right now. What is going on with our city leadership?

S.DviaPhilly: I agree the bare minimum is not what SD deserves and this building should definitely be taller and of better quality. Look at Vancouver, Melbourne, and Toronto proposals and current U/C's that is what we need here not this crap. I disagree with you as far as rentals though, San Diego County absolutely needs a ton of new quality rental housing units as well as for sale condos.

[kpexpress]

Then I say wait do not build it, it is boring and pretty drab and ugly. 13th and Market is 6 stories and even though it is not my favorite at least it has some character. Why build the "bare minimum" in our city? San Diego is way too nice for bare minimum. Bare minimum to me is the building between Park and 13th off Market where the 711 is and that building is hideous! (my apologies if anyone lives in there)

Not sure why, but I understand that construction loans are going through a lot easier for rental buildings than condo buildings. We need more condo buildings asap, there are only 175 condos on the market in all of 92101! A couple years ago there was well over 600! If SD keeps building these low-rise rentals, soon that is what downtown will turn into, or at least East Village and thats just not right!

The downtown community plan (the governing document for all development downtown [among other documents]) sets out the min and max for density. If they're within that range what's keeping them from moving forward? The argument would be more effective if you advocate against the community plan (something I want to do at CCAC Predesign this year) as opposed to the building itself.

[OneMetropolis]

My perspective

What I was getting at in my post was that priorities are the driving factor in getting these projects done (or envisioned). LA's priorities are not in freeway building, which is how they've been able to shift funds and pass measures.

LA has not held freeways as a priority since the freeway revolts of the 70's. Their traffic is as bad as it is because many of the envisioned routes were never built. LA largely stopped execution of it's vision due to revolts and changing priorities. Unfortunately that change in priorities somehow evolved into total neglect and apathy. This neglect has made the existing freeways unable to stay current with demand, as have SD and OC freeways. In contrast, San Diego has nearly completed it's long term freeway system envisioned in the 40's and 50's. So has Orange County.

As far as the 405 goes, adding one lane in each direction is a band-aid and a joke. Another example of neglect is the 5 from downtown LA to the OC county line. There the 5 are only 3 lanes each way. There are very few major freeway projects underway in LA, as freeway projects don't fit the progressive agenda. The mantra is let the freeways rot until people embrace rail as the solution (not that I think it's not viable).

I agree more needs to be done in SD to accelerate rail growth such as passing a measure like a one-cent sales tax increase. My point though was that everything is just a matter of priorities (not that this is something we don't already know), and LA has probably been able to push further quicker because major new freeway projects are a non-starter.

As far as SD's recent freeway progress goes, I actually believe SANDAG and Caltrans have done a good job. Some major recent and ongoing projects include:

-15 additional managed lanes
-Completed the 56 freeway (better late than never)
-Completed the 52 extension to the 67 freeway
-Completed the 125 extension to the border
-Starting work on the 905 extension to the Otay Mesa crossing
-Extending carpool lanes onto the 805 with new Direct Access ramps at Sorrento Vly Rd

I wish they would add the additional connector ramps needed for the 56...that's my peeve.

Not true cause Measure R covers freeways in LA i.e. reason for mass freeway projects happening now in LA.

[mello]

Question about San Diego freeways and the connector ramps I have always wondered why: I-8 - can't go west when coming from 5 south and can't go north on 5 when going east out of Ocean Beach.

SR - 52 same scenario with I -5 Northbound access getting screwed coming from LJ and can't take it in to LJ when heading south.

SR - 56 can't go north on 5 when going westbound on 56. Can't go east onto 56 when coming south on 5.

Highway 78 - Have to sit at a stop light to take 5 south when the freeway ends in Oceanside.

I have never seen a freeway interchange in OC or LA county where you couldn't go in all directions no matter what direction you approach an interchange.

[eburress]

Question about San Diego freeways and the connector ramps I have always wondered why: I-8 - can't go west when coming from 5 south and can't go north on 5 when going east out of Ocean Beach.

SR - 52 same scenario with I -5 Northbound access getting screwed coming from LJ and can't take it in to LJ when heading south.

SR - 56 can't go north on 5 when going westbound on 56. Can't go east onto 56 when coming south on 5.

Highway 78 - Have to sit at a stop light to take 5 south when the freeway ends in Oceanside.

I have never seen a freeway interchange in OC or LA county where you couldn't go in all directions no matter what direction you approach an interchange.

NIMBYs and preservationists, mostly.

For example, CalTrans is working on adding direct connectors at the I-5/Hwy 56 interchange, but the community (frustrated Carmel Valley moms, I imagine) is fighting them tooth and nail. They are concerned about the aesthetic of additional freeway ramps...

...ignoring the fact that there are *already* ramps on this interchange, but why worry about the details.

[spoonman]

It's amazing. They'd rather have cars causing traffic and polluting more on city streets than having the ramps...insane. That said, if Caltrans got the 15 Freeway project done, it can get anything done.

[eburress]

It's amazing. They'd rather have cars causing traffic and polluting more on city streets than having the ramps...insane. That said, if Caltrans got the 15 Freeway project done, it can get anything done.

On the bright side, I think a ramp from the southbound I-5 to the eastbound Hwy 56 will eventually happen because the two other alternatives really aren't an option. A tunnel underneath the existing exchange is cost prohibitive and they can't do a loop connector because of its impact on the nearby wetlands. So, battling Caltrans on this is futile, but it has delayed the project and cost the state additional money.

[spoonman]

I hadn't heard of the tunnel proposal.

I don't know why people move near freeways and airports, then complain about the expansion and/or effects. Same problem with Carlsbad/Palomar Airport's proposed runway expansion.

[mello]

I've been trying to figure out one reason why residents of Carmel Valley wouldn't want the interchange ramp completed? In the immediate area there are only offices, hotels, and restaurants. There are no homes that even would have their view affected by the ramps... This makes absolutely no sense. The state of CA should say "the freeway is completed no more lawsuits or attempts to block progress." CA is such a f**cking joke sometimes.

[Derek]

CA is such a f**cking joke sometimes.

Precisely.

[kpexpress]

EAST VILLAGE RESIDENTS GROUP MEETING THURSDAY 5:30PM AT THE EAST VILLAGE COMMUNITY CHURCH.

There will be an incredible presentation on the past, present and future of the East Village.

[OneMetropolis]

My perspective

What I was getting at in my post was that priorities are the driving factor in getting these projects done (or envisioned). LA's priorities are not in freeway building, which is how they've been able to shift funds and pass measures.

LA has not held freeways as a priority since the freeway revolts of the 70's. Their traffic is as bad as it is because many of the envisioned routes were never built. LA largely stopped execution of it's vision due to revolts and changing priorities. Unfortunately that change in priorities somehow evolved into total neglect and apathy. This neglect has made the existing freeways unable to stay current with demand, as have SD and OC freeways. In contrast, San Diego has nearly completed it's long term freeway system envisioned in the 40's and 50's. So has Orange County.

As far as the 405 goes, adding one lane in each direction is a band-aid and a joke. Another example of neglect is the 5 from downtown LA to the OC county line. There the 5 are only 3 lanes each way. There are very few major freeway projects underway in LA, as freeway projects don't fit the progressive agenda. The mantra is let the freeways rot until people embrace rail as the solution (not that I think it's not viable).

I agree more needs to be done in SD to accelerate rail growth such as passing a measure like a one-cent sales tax increase. My point though was that everything is just a matter of priorities (not that this is something we don't already know), and LA has probably been able to push further quicker because major new freeway projects are a non-starter.

As far as SD's recent freeway progress goes, I actually believe SANDAG and Caltrans have done a good job. Some major recent and ongoing projects include:

-15 additional managed lanes
-Completed the 56 freeway (better late than never)
-Completed the 52 extension to the 67 freeway
-Completed the 125 extension to the border
-Starting work on the 905 extension to the Otay Mesa crossing
-Extending carpool lanes onto the 805 with new Direct Access ramps at Sorrento Vly Rd

I wish they would add the additional connector ramps needed for the 56...that's my peeve.


I guess your right regrading the freeway issue in LA.

Actually, I take that back. I read again about the Measure R initiative, and That Measure covers freeways too, so your analysis is inaccurate. LA has more of a drive than San Diego end of story.

[kpexpress]

New BOSA tower proposed for Pacific Coast Highway and Broadway. Thoughts?

CCAC Predesign is scheduled to review the project on May 15, 5:00PM.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn60/kpexpress42/2a12b18d.jpg

[SDfan]

Sexy, fu*king sexy. I mean, I need to see more, but this is just so much more lovely then a balcony covered box.

[kpexpress]

I've always thought that the waterfront needs something with some curves!

[tyleraf]

Wow! Sexy curves and gorgeous design. I can't wait for this to be built. Any ideas on height?

[Lipani]

Awesome! Looks like one of the best proposals we've had in a long time.

[patriotizzy]

*Bows down*
If this is not built, I will cut myself.

[Illithid Dude]

Dead sexy.

[spoonman]

Actually, I take that back. I read again about the Measure R initiative, and That Measure covers freeways too, so your analysis is inaccurate. LA has more of a drive than San Diego end of story.

Once again you jump to conclusions and miss the point. If you know politics, you know that often times bills for roads include public transportation, just as bills for public transportation often include roads. Bill or Measure, this had to be equitable to enough people to pass.

I was blessing you with insight from someone that has lived in both SD and LA, and I can tell you LA has done little to improve it's freeways over the past decade +. That is not an analysis, it' an observation.

[spoonman]

New BOSA tower proposed for Pacific Coast Highway and Broadway. Thoughts?

CCAC Predesign is scheduled to review the project on May 15, 5:00PM.



very nice...how much?

Looks like about 40 floors...probably about the same height as Electra

[LosAngelesDreamin]

New BOSA tower proposed for Pacific Coast Highway and Broadway. Thoughts?

CCAC Predesign is scheduled to review the project on May 15, 5:00PM.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn60/kpexpress42/2a12b18d.jpg

OMG... first time i looked at this i was thinkin maybe its a tower proposed for another city that someone wished was in San Diego, but HOLY SHIT ON AN ALTAR... it's for San Diego :banana:

If the city doesn't build this then i will just lose faith in everything SD. I hope NIMBYs don't complain how tall it's going to be :(

[LosAngelesDreamin]

very nice...how much?

Looks like about 40 floors...probably about the same height as Electra

Electra residents better not complain about their goddamn views either >:( I WANT THIS BUILT!!

[mongoXZ]

Wow I don't think Ive seen an early proposal garner so much rave reviews. I'd like to see different renders of the thing myself. It seems curved in the east facing side while the pointed apex of the curve (north face) is the highest elevation. SDfan mentioned no balconies but I do believe those things in the middle (west face) are indeed balconies. I don't mind. Just as long as it isn't another box.

Here's to hoping that this is the begining of an upward trend in the economy and more proposals like this surface in the future.:cheers::notacrook:

[mello]

That Bosa tower looks great, finally something is going to rise on that lot. We really need to get the Pacific Hwy corridor going it is such a disgrace right now. Electra people can't complain their building blocked views and I think it is well established that premium downtown lots will be built out to near 500 feet going forward.

[LosAngelesDreamin]

That Bosa tower looks great, finally something is going to rise on that lot. We really need to get the Pacific Hwy corridor going it is such a disgrace right now. Electra people can't complain their building blocked views and I think it is well established that premium downtown lots will be built out to near 500 feet going forward.

I use to work at the security gate right across the street from this tower at the navy broadway complex.. during night shift i would always gaze at the towers in front of me and always imagined a tower rising on that lot in front of the gate entrance and how cool it would look.

I agree, that waterfront area is embarrassing, especially since its the gateway into downtown for people coming from the cruise ships.

This is like a dream come true lol :D hopefully it materializes, and hopefully Lane field soon also.

[kpexpress]

i believe it will be around 470' tall.

IF YOU LIKE THIS DESIGN, PLEASE COME TO OUR PREDESIGN MEETING TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ASK THE ARCHITECTS AND THE DEVELOPER QUESTIONS AND OFFER YOUR OWN COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROJECT.

THE MEETING IS MAY 15, 5:00PM AT CCDC HEADQUARTERS (WELLS FARGO BUILDING ON B STREET 4TH FLOOR)

COME TO THE DAMN MEETING, PLEASE.