SAN DIEGO | Boom Rundown, Vol. 2

[Derek]

^i totally love the high speed rail concept and hope it gets built (hopefully soon!)

but the airport should still be built in Miramar!;)

[bmfarley]

^i totally love the high speed rail concept and hope it gets built (hopefully soon!)

but the airport should still be built in Miramar!;)

I don't disagree. After all, does it make sense for an airport to be located immediatey adjacent to a one of a few natural harbors on the west coast and so near a downtown? - rhetorical. But, whether or not Lindbergh is moved, HSR is good for freeing up limited airport capacity.

[spoonman]

According to the alignment plan for the high speed rail it will basically pass through miramar. Just another benefit to locating the new airport there.

[bmfarley]

According to the alignment plan for the high speed rail it will basically pass through miramar. Just another benefit to locating the new airport there.But, no station is planned over there, yet. If HSR moves forward I am sure it will be before anything ever happens with Lindbergh. I'd think?

By the way, a measure is on the ballot for November 2008 to consider a bond measure to fund high speed rail.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/farleybrandon/Rail/HSR-SD.jpg

[OCtoSD]

What is the R2-D2 mailbox?

[spoonman]

Holy cow...she looks like the Crypt Keeper!!! Those are definitely not highway miles, either!

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mo/talesfromthecryptdvd250.jpg

http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/frye-win_files/15468307.jpg

BTW, the main reason I don't like Donna Frye is that she is a NIMBY. If you thought SD had a difficult time getting things done before, just wait until she is mayor.

Great job with the pictures guys!:lmao: I have a hard time telling them apart...

[eburress]

a superb location!


but how come you emphasized the no height limit? do you think Chula Vista will build a tower taller than 500 feet?

Because they could if they wanted to. Almost everybody can, except for America's finest city.

[Derek]

What is the R2-D2 mailbox?

USPS did a promotional thing for the film's 20th anniversary, and they came up with an R2-D2 mailbox:)

[Derek]

Because they could if they wanted to. Almost everybody can, except for America's finest city.

gotcha

[Urban Sky]

Because they could if they wanted to. Almost everybody can, except for America's finest city.

sad, but true.:(

[Urban Sky]

I would love to see someone build over 500ft in Chula Vista, that'd be awesome. I could just see someone like the Donald rolling into town and building an 800ft tower on the bayfront. That'd show those bastards on the city board. Maybe then the'd make the push for increased height before being passed over again.


i can picture it now. a 600 foot building with a bad haircut.

[bmfarley]

Mmm... about Chula Vista's potential height, they may not have restrictions with a local airport, but who's to say they do not have their own city ordinance resticting the height of buildings? Every other city does.

[Urban Sky]

Mmm... about Chula Vista's potential height, they may not have restrictions with a local airport, but who's to say they do not have their own city ordinance resticting the height of buildings? Every other city does.

that could be true. who was it that posted the map/data before regarding this. it was almost a year or more ago.

[Derek]

it would kill me to see a 500 footer outside of downtown San Diego unless downtown had it first...then Chula Vista and National City can push it too;)

(although i doubt it would ever happen anyway...its just a thought)

[<ak/>]

interesting article from Metro Investment Report regarding the situation on airport and growth:

"...San Diego voters rejected a ballot measure that would set preliminary groundwork for a possible airport at Miramar Naval Air Station. The issue of where to site a larger airport in San Diego is more than three decades old. What is the significance of this latest vote, and what are the prospects?

This is really a larger debate about growth. San Diego is deeply divided about whether it wants to be a big city or a very large suburb. The airport is part of that debate. Many people here don’t want the growth that an airport produces, particularly in their backyard..."

http://www.metroinvestmentreport.com/mir/?module=displaystory&story_id=402&edition_id=68&format=html

[Derek]

well, those people that want a big suburb suck:)

[<ak/>]

they are a majority though, according to that vote

[mello]

So is the floating airport basically dead??

And I agree San Diego County does have an identity crisis. When will people realize that a shitty small one runway airport will affect their future as well as their childrens. Do they want San Diego County to start losing jobs and not attracting new businesses?

Like an earlier poster said PORTLAND has direct flights to Europe and Asia. Come on now San Diego lets step this up and start thinking about a floating airport.

[Derek]

^Tijuana does too, but i dont support the floating airport, because of environmental and accesibility issues...Miramar (IMO) is the only viable site in SD county...screw the desert...im not going that far...

[Derek]

updates from a fellow forumer
Some more webcam shots for your Easter morning enjoyment:

Legend with the Hilton rising in the background
http://live6.truelook.com/timages/live6/ecodb/ecodb_evillage1_camera1/imgbuf/buf_3344/1176042794290876.jpg

Aperture @ Little Italy
http://live6.truelook.com/timages/live6/ecodb/ecodb_sdsempra_camera1/imgbuf/buf_130/1176042794291494.jpg

Electra should top out real soon
http://live6.truelook.com/timages/live6/ecodb/ecodb_oneamerica_camera1/imgbuf/buf_2483/1176042794291883.jpg

Hardrock
http://live6.truelook.com/timages/live6/ecodb/ecodb_omni_camera1/imgbuf/buf_7119/1176042794292020.jpg

Ballpark cluster
http://live6.truelook.com/timages/live6/ecodb/ecodb_omni_camera1/imgbuf/buf_7119/1176042794292205.jpg

Bayside/Breeza/Sapphire crane cluster
http://live6.truelook.com/timages/live6/ecodb/ecodb_1amnorth_camera1/imgbuf/buf_5441/1176042794292709.jpg

[mello]

Why didn't they make the Legend Taller?? At only 24 floors it barely clears the scoreboard and lighting structure of Petco so only the top 6 floors have great southerly views. They should have made it a 38 to 42 floor tower. I really don't see it being that marketable with only a handfull of units getting a great view to the south.

Plus it doesn't give the people inside the ballpark a dramatic view of a highrise since it only sticks out a little bit above the lighting stand. BOSA pussed out on the Legend lets admit it :yuck:

[eburress]

This is really a larger debate about growth. San Diego is deeply divided about whether it wants to be a big city or a very large suburb. The airport is part of that debate. Many people here don’t want the growth that an airport produces, particularly in their backyard..."


This is what absolutely burns me up about this town. These are the people who keep San Diego mediocre...and it is the spineless, inept city government that lets them.

[bmfarley]

This is what absolutely burns me up about this town. These are the people who keep San Diego mediocre...and it is the spineless, inept city government that lets them.

In a related matter, the State of California adopted legislation a few years ago, maybe 10, that each jurisdiction is required to plan to accomodate their fair share of statewide projected population gain; California grows by 400k to 750k each year.

What the legislation means is that the weight/pressure of the current population can no longer influence the creation of no growth or slow growth measures on a city wide basis. Each city is now responsible for where must those additional numbers be located and the type of housing to be planned. So, whether San Diego slow growth citizen's like it or not (like Donna Frye?), SD is to grow. As I understand it, because I am kinda a newbie to SD, is that city entities selected downtown as one of those areas where future populations should be located.

[eburress]

In a related matter, the State of California adopted legislation a few years ago, maybe 10, that each jurisdiction is required to plan to accomodate their fair share of statewide projected population gain; California grows by 400k to 750k each year.

What the legislation means is that the weight/pressure of the current population can no longer influence the creation of no growth or slow growth measures on a city wide basis. Each city is now responsible for where must those additional numbers be located and the type of housing to be planned. So, whether San Diego slow growth citizen's like it or not (like Donna Frye?), SD is to grow. As I understand it, because I am kinda a newbie to SD, is that city entities selected downtown as one of those areas where future populations should be located.

That is very interesting - I'm glad you posted it. I think that goes back to what I mentioned before. The "official" policy may be growth, but so many residents didn't get the memo, and consequently do everything they can to stifle growth. If the city had balls, it would stand up to the slow/no-growth types, but it doesn't, so we're are left in the mess we're in.

On the bright side, I am glad that the city had the foresight to do what they could to encourage downtown residential growth. Like I said before though, now they need to follow up by doing what they can to encourage corporate expansion (spelled: n e w a i r p o r t). People need places to work. ;)

[OCtoSD]

I think bosa only did 24 floors on the legend because that is all he was allowed to do. If you look at all the buildings going up touching the ballpark they are of a relatively similar height. Even the portion of the omni right across the street is stepped down. So I think that means there was a height limit on the buildings right next to the park. Maybe they were afraid of shadows on the stadium. Further evidence of a height limit is the fact that the next block down from the legend all has proposals and buildings that are much higher, the new mixed use complex, cosmo square, and the mark.

[Derek]

holy cow...the game was intense!! i had great seats too...section 131:tup:

anyways, i have to disagree, i think The Legend and Diamond View and Omni, Park Terrace, ICON etc...all look great with the surroundings...and im hoping Cosmo Square, Library Tower and the new main library (fingers crossed on all three...) can tie everything together into a beautiful community

[bmfarley]

So I have been thinking the past couple days how I dislike the chain-link fences on the I-5 overpasses downtown, particularly on the ones going north to Bankers Hill. And Park Blvd too. Are they on Park? I am assuming they are.

Caltrans began intalling them statewide a bit over 10 years ago after an incident or two involving people/kids throwing things off them and hurting motorists below. I think there were some deaths involved.

Anyway, they are unsightly and I offer-up that they could be replaced rather easily by some nice iron wrought fencing, or something. Maybe some nice vintage street lights too. Wouldn't that look sweet? It's not like the parking decks are going to happen any time soon, are they?

If done, it could add much to the romantic alure of downtown. After-all, over 100,000 cars pass under the bridges each weekday. Maybe more? People would remember them and eventually want to get off and visit downtown... not that more visitors are need... I am just saying. over SR 163 is an example. A poor example, but one nevertheless.

The Laurel Street bridge in Balboa Park is an example, although bad one.

[Derek]

^how about lids that cover the freeways;)

[spoonman]

FYI: There was definately a cap on the heights of the buildings immediately surrounding the ballpark. I remember there was much debate about this before and during construction of the park. The developers wanted to go both fat and tall to capitalize off the location. The "public" stupidly wanted short buildings, but the developers argued that the buildings would be fat as a result, causing more issues than if they were tall. In the end the buildings ended up about as wide as the developers originally wanted, but a bit shorter.

[Derek]

the buildings dont seem that wide to me...

[spoonman]

^that's the idea, they aren't as wide as they could have been :cheers:

[Derek]

gotcha:cheers:

i didnt read it right the first time...

[bmfarley]

FYI: There was definately a cap on the heights of the buildings immediately surrounding the ballpark. I remember there was much debate about this before and during construction of the park. The developers wanted to go both fat and tall to capitalize off the location. The "public" stupidly wanted short buildings, but the developers argued that the buildings would be fat as a result, causing more issues than if they were tall. In the end the buildings ended up about as wide as the developers originally wanted, but a bit shorter.If that restriction is true, I know it does not include the temporary traingular lot bounded by Park, 12th, & Imperial. Nor the lot to the south of Imperial between Petco and the trolley. That area is 500 feet.

[Derek]

^i thought the port restricted height down there...?

[Derek]

do you guys think the city of SD will incorporate 4S Ranch? im just curious as to what you guys think...

[spoonman]

The land BMFarley is talking about isn't restricted as I understand it. That is where "Ballpark Village" was/is supposed to go. The project was to include aprox. (3) 500'-ish buildings, so I don't see how it could have any sort of meaningful cap.

[HurricaneHugo]

Holy shit, US Open on Torrey Pines and the Del Mar Fair overlap by three days...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20070408-9999-lz1n8delmar.html

I-5 will be the world's largest parking lot for those 3 days...

[Urban Sky]

That is very interesting - I'm glad you posted it. I think that goes back to what I mentioned before. The "official" policy may be growth, but so many residents didn't get the memo, and consequently do everything they can to stifle growth. If the city had balls, it would stand up to the slow/no-growth types, but it doesn't, so we're are left in the mess we're in.

On the bright side, I am glad that the city had the foresight to do what they could to encourage downtown residential growth. Like I said before though, now they need to follow up by doing what they can to encourage corporate expansion (spelled: n e w a i r p o r t). People need places to work. ;)

Lindberg is the busiest single runway in the nation. And probably ranks up there in the world rankings. Why? Because we are operating at capacity. This means that we could afford to have another runway. Unfortunately, we don't have the space. It IS time to move the airport. Once the airports growth is no longer stunted, I think we will see some really positive changes in the way the airport operates and the business it brings to the city. Really, it's a positive thing no matter how you look at it. I'm not understanding why people dont get it!! :shrug:

[Urban Sky]

^Tijuana does too, but i dont support the floating airport, because of environmental and accesibility issues...Miramar (IMO) is the only viable site in SD county...screw the desert...im not going that far...

I second this motion.

[spoonman]

I agree about Miramar, I just don't think the military will ever give it up. San Diego as we all know has no flat land left, which doesn't give us many other options. Does anyone think Montgomery may be workable? I don't think they'd have to tear down too many properties to make it work. Maybe they could run the 163 freeway under the runway, tear down that In-N-Out shopping center and a few other businesses for a paralell or cross runway.

[bmfarley]

The military would probably give it up if someone paid for a replacement elsewhere. I'll suggest Ramona. Maybe switch with Brown Field? Unfortunately the November vote cut-of the airport authority's ability to even discuss such options!

[spoonman]

^Yeah, it looks like the plan now is to make SDIA workable "for the next 15-20 years" according to what I've read.

Off topic, but does anyone know what the deal is with the two Marriott properties in the Gaslamp?

[keg92101]

do you guys think the city of SD will incorporate 4S Ranch? im just curious as to what you guys think...

I hope they don't. One of the reason our infrastructure is so stretched is the services are stretched all the way up to Black Mountain Ranch, RB, Otay, Etc...

[sandiegodweller]

there are a lot of surfaces that need to be taken care of in the vacinity. good find AK.

wasnt someone planning on doing something with the ugly WaMu building?
That parking lot is owned by Bosa. They are making a lot more money as a parking lot than they would as a building right now.

+/- 200 parking spots @ $20 per day = $4000 per day X 24 working days per month = $96,000 per month.

12 months @ $96,000 per month = $1,152,000 per year.

At an 8 CAP, it would be worth $14.4 million.

[sandiegodweller]

i believe they do. im glad downtown is finally getting a few more indie coffee shops. SO tired of seeing starbucks every square mile. I make it a point to go to Bassam on Market and 4th instead of the Starbucks that was strategically placed across the street. a-holes!

^^ thanks for all the updates yall...every time i hear something like this, i get even more pumped about downtown san diego being one of the best urban areas in the country.
Bassam is gone.

[sandiegodweller]

Sorry for all the posts, I am new to this site.

Does anyone know where the actual written "law" regarding San Diego's 500ft building height restriction is located? I have searched the internet and can't find anything.

All anyone hears is that we can't have buildings taller than 500ft downtown due to the close proximity of the airport, but wasn't this policy made long ago when downtown was confined to the marina area near the airport?? Now that downtown has expanded east of the ballpark, I am wondering if specific boundaires were mentioned for the restriction when the policy was written. When I am in East Village east of the ballpark, I never hear planes overhead or see any and I have a hard time believing East Village skyscrapers would pose a problem to the flight paths at Linbergh field????
I agree. I hear people quote it all of the time. I want to see it is black and white.

If that was really the case, why hasn't any new tower even approached that height yet? No one is pushing past 420'. They could squeeze a few more floors in, especially along the water.

[sandiegodweller]

it would kill me to see a 500 footer outside of downtown San Diego unless downtown had it first...then Chula Vista and National City can push it too;)

(although i doubt it would ever happen anyway...its just a thought)
Nobody is building a 500' tower in the South Bay anytime soon. They can't even get the current midrises financed.

Developer of condos may ask city for loan




By Tanya Sierra
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
April 6, 2007

NATIONAL CITY – The Australian development company that promised two years ago to build a 21-story luxury condominium project in National City is now considering asking city officials to lend the firm up to $2 million.

Executives of Constellation Property Group won't discuss why they need a loan, but city officials said the company's financial partner – Phoenix Realty Group – wants to pull its money out of the project. Representatives at Phoenix Realty acknowledged they are partners with Constellation but would not discuss whether they are withdrawing from the project because they are still negotiating.
Securing financial backing has become a challenge in San Diego County since the housing market softened, Constellation's development director, Wayne Hann, said last month.

Officials are counting on the Constellation project – a four-story development named Centro and the high-rise Revolution/Lumina – to jump-start redevelopment in a city struggling with poverty, crime and a run-down business corridor. Revolution was one of the first high-rise condo proposals in National City and is among four planned for National City Boulevard.

City officials should view the Constellation loan as an investment, said Brad Raulston, the city's redevelopment director.

“It's tied to construction and it's a short-term loan,” Raulston said. “They're not asking for a subsidy. This is a good risk or investment for us to take.”

The loan would be no more than $2 million, would come from the city's redevelopment budget, and would be used to help Constellation buy out Phoenix Realty's stake in the deal, Raulston said.

The redevelopment agency budget, about $28 million a year, is separate from the city's general fund. Its revenue is mostly from the property tax increment and grants. Redevelopment money can be used on projects that revitalize the community within the redevelopment zone and also on administrative costs associated with the projects.

Constellation is still working out financial details and has not formally requested a loan from National City. However, city officials have met in closed session to discuss it. Mayor Ron Morrison expects Constellation to make the request within the next month.

Morrison said he believes the project is worth a loan.

“They have really stuck with it,” Morrison said. “Some (developers) come in and everything is a demand and if they don't get what they want, they pack up and leave. They have been very above board on all of this.”

Constellation arrived in San Diego about three years ago but didn't approach National City until a year later.

The company has built about 10,000 condominiums in Australia. It is developing two residential projects in San Diego, one in Texas and one in Arizona. It recently pulled out of a project in Las Vegas.

The National City development includes three phases. The first is the Centro building, followed by two Revolution/Lumina buildings. One of the Revolution/Lumina buildings will be a high-rise that would include 150 condominiums and 130 hotel rooms. The other will house mostly commercial and retail space, meeting areas, a spa and a fitness center.

“We see National City as a great submarket,” Hann said last month.

Constellation targets urban, undiscovered areas where local government is eager to redevelop, said Eugene Marchese, the company's managing director.

The company's Web site describes the Centro project as “upbeat, urbane, unfettered – at the heart of a burgeoning community close to all amenities.”

Hann said last month that the company is hoping to cater to buyers from Mexico who want to be close to the border. This week, though, he said the group is not marketing to anyone until it gets all funding in place.

In 2005, Constellation launched a marketing campaign to promote the National City project.

The company opened a sales office on National City Boulevard and hosted a launch party for the project at downtown San Diego's Hotel Solamar that featured Australian food, live music and models of the National City project.

The company placed ads in magazines and on billboards and began taking reservations through its Web site.

After Constellation resolves its financial situation, it expects to break ground this year.

“Our goal is to announce the commencement of a construction date for the Centro project over the next two months,” Hann said.

[spoonman]

I agree. I hear people quote it all of the time. I want to see it is black and white.

If that was really the case, why hasn't any new tower even approached that height yet? No one is pushing past 420'. They could squeeze a few more floors in, especially along the water.

Electra is 480' and 43 floors

[Derek]

I agree about Miramar, I just don't think the military will ever give it up. San Diego as we all know has no flat land left, which doesn't give us many other options. Does anyone think Montgomery may be workable? I don't think they'd have to tear down too many properties to make it work. Maybe they could run the 163 freeway under the runway, tear down that In-N-Out shopping center and a few other businesses for a paralell or cross runway.

or Brown Field, my dad works out at Donovan and once the 905's conversion into an interstate is complete it will only take about 15 minutes (traffic pending) to get there from downtown...the drive actually isnt too bad at all...but instead of the runway running east-west like it does, it would probablly need to be reconfigured to north-south due to the mountainous terrain...just my 2 cents;)

the only problem with that is the Tijuana airport...

[Derek]

The military would probably give it up if someone paid for a replacement elsewhere. I'll suggest Ramona. Maybe switch with Brown Field? Unfortunately the November vote cut-of the airport authority's ability to even discuss such options!

good point with the switching thing:tup:

[spoonman]

Anyone reading this thread is encouraged to join in, even if they do not already have an account at SkyscraperPage. Just create a log-in and discuss with us what you know about current and future activity in San Diego. Don't be a lurker:lurk:

[Derek]

i remember when i first joined there was only like 4 of us...now theres about 8...its nice:)






(talk about a LONG Pads game...a win is a win though;))

[bmfarley]

i remember when i first joined there was only like 4 of us...now theres about 8...its nice:)
When was that?

[Derek]

August 06...there were only like 4 or 5 of us that were on here like everyday

[eburress]

Unfortunately the November vote cut-of the airport authority's ability to even discuss such options!

BTW, not to toot my own horn, but does anyone remember me saying that no good could come from that airport vote? I hate being so darned right all the time! hahahaha

good point with the switching thing:tup:

Even if the airport authority hadn't neutered itself, who thinks the city has the inclination, brainpower, and/or resources to pull off moving Miramar and building an airport in its place? If building only an airport is too difficult, how the hell would this city build and airport AND a Marine air station?

[bmfarley]

August 06...there were only like 4 or 5 of us that were on here like everydayoh my...2,800+ posts in 9 months! I only have 280 or so since November 05! gesh!

But admittedly I am often elsewhere online. My alma mater is DI and talking college sports is fun. I actually help moderate another board if you believe that?

[Derek]

yeah, if they had brain power...



hey E, who is the person in your avatar? ive always been curious...

[Derek]

oh my...2,800+ posts in 9 months! I only have 280 or so since November 05! gesh!

But admittedly I am often elsewhere online. My alma mater is DI and talking college sports is fun. I actually help moderate another board if you believe that?

i have free time...

and yes i believe it:)

good luck with your sports though!

[bmfarley]

i have free time...

and yes i believe it:)

good luck with your sports though!
The basketball team needs a new coach, but at least the football program beat SDSU this past season... even though they are DIAA vs DIA!!! I've actually lost some interest in the program b/c of the conference basketball plays in and the admin not responding to a long over due need to get a new coach. oh well.

[eburress]

hey E, who is the person in your avatar? ive always been curious...

Why, that is my future wife (as soon as I break the good news to my current wife), the beautiful, effervescent, and delightful Mélissa Theuriau. She is without a doubt, the World's most beautiful journalist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXl_eV8D5oc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWHvD-7anMc

Let's all take a stroll down Mélissa Lane...

http://www.melissa-theuriau.fr/forum/uploads/1157969805/MelissaTheuriau_1_3_186111.jpg

http://www.melissa-theuriau.fr/forum/uploads/1173652974/MelissaTheuriau_1_6_14512.jpg

http://www.melissa-theuriau.fr/forum/uploads/1168837754/MelissaTheuriau_1_6_15683.jpg

http://www.melissa-theuriau.fr/forum/uploads/1147180970/MelissaTheuriau_1_1_36032.jpg

http://www.melissa-theuriau.fr/forum/uploads/1146039357/MelissaTheuriau_1_1_19623.jpg


:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

[Derek]

oh, damn...good luck with that;)


:tongue4:

[eburress]

Mélissa might not know it yet, but we were meant to be together. Two peas in a pod...like peanut butter and jelly...

[Derek]

i dont know what she is saying, but her voice is so sexy...:)

[bmfarley]

I've seen her before from youtube. She's the epitome of sexiness!!!! However, I find this even more sexy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5ZpGxv32_I

[spoonman]

^I watched the video, and SD is depicted as parked cars on the freeway and palm trees...lol

[Trvlr]

Hi everyone,

I just registered here and I've decided to post for the first time. I grew up in San Diego, but currently live in Chicago, where I go to school and will be working for the next few years.

My background is primarily in aviation, but I also have a fairly solid interest in wider transportation issues, as well as urban planning.

If you guys have any questions about (commercial) aviation in San Diego, I can probably answer them. As far as the airport goes, I'm pessimistic for the time being, although I think push will come to shove over the next decade, when the effect of increased traffic will translate into more acute delays and road congestion. In the meantime, the best we can expect is an improvement of terminal facilities, including an expansion of the newest part of Terminal 2. However, SAN has 41 gates now, and will max out--for good--at around 60.

In terms of international air service, SAN has been a victim of its size. Big aircraft such as the 747 and 777 simply can't take off from the airport without taking a weight penalty. I am fairly sure that even British Airways' nonstop 777 service to London had to take a cargo penalty which rendered the flight unprofitable. Lately, there has been very serious talk about Philippine Airlines flying to Manila, via Vancouver. However, I believe Canada and the Philippines need to expand their bilateral air service agreement to allow for more flights in and out of Canada before the airline can start service. If this happens, I think we could see Philippine at SAN within the year. Other than that, I think we will need to wait for Boeing's newest airplane, the medium-sized 787, to enter service with multiple airline before we can expect to be connected the likes of Tokyo and London.

The article by UCSD Steve Erie that someone posted earlier in the thread sums up the central problem with airport planning and, in my opinion, city planning in San Diego. There's a very powerful contingent of people who thinks that if we stop growth altogether, we can regain the sleepy Navy town identity we had back in the 60s and 70s. The reality is that this will never happen--there are simply too many people here. Paradoxically, this policy, embodied by people such as Christine Kehoe (who is purely politically motivated--I actually don't mind Donna Frye if she acts as a development watchdog as opposed to an opponent altogether), will probably contribute to a decline in our quality of life, as corporate flight from the city causes our tax base to decline.

In the meantime, I am very happy with what is going on downtown. I went to Bondi and a few other places when I was back here over spring break, and for the first time I felt that the Gaslamp had moved beyond a conventioneer's playground. I agree, however, that there needs to be a better mix of office & residential development. Indeed, I've always wondered why firms such as Bosa and Irvine don't work together to attract high-value tenants; I'm sure there are at least a few companies out there that would love to house their employees within a 5-minute walk to work.

Thanks everyone,
Trvlr

[Derek]

can you believe this shit? im watching KUSI and the Turko files is on...people in Liberty Station are complaining of "noise" from a basketball court located across the street from thier condos in a planned park...THEY LIVE UNDER THE FLIGHT PATH OF COMMERCIAL JETS!

everybody's gotta find something to complain of in this town...:no:

[Derek]

welcome, TRVLR


i enjoyed your post...some good news in there:)

[eburress]

I've seen her before from youtube. She's the epitome of sexiness!!!! However, I find this even more sexy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5ZpGxv32_I

hahaha - that's funny!

[PadreHomer]

can you believe this shit? im watching KUSI and the Turko files is on...people in Liberty Station are complaining of "noise" from a basketball court located across the street from thier condos in a planned park...THEY LIVE UNDER THE FLIGHT PATH OF COMMERCIAL JETS!

everybody's gotta find something to complain of in this town...:no:
The amount of complaining and nitpicking that goes on in this town is heartburn inducing and terribly short-sighted.

[eburress]

^^ What do you expect? People are idiots.

[Derek]

living in this city, im pretty sure i already knew people were idiots;)

[spoonman]

Let's vote for the Grimace in the next election...Maybe he can solve our airport woes
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/a/a9/Grimace.jpg

[Derek]

:ack:

[sandiego_urban]

Damn, you all are killing me. First the crypt keeper and now the Grimace? :)



Anyone else notice that they finally finished painting the ICON tower? Bad pic, but you get the idea
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Jaygergon/downtown%20development%203/iconic.jpg


Also, the high speed train video and pics are really cool! :tup:

[Derek]

wow, it wasnt even finished on Easter Sunday when i went to the Pads game...


nice:tup:

[eburress]

Damn, you all are killing me. First the crypt keeper and now the Grimace? :)


Two quotes come to mind:

"If God had wanted us to vote, He would have given us candidates."

...and...

"When you are voting for the lesser of two evils, you are still voting for evil."

[Derek]

anybody catch the "Your Name Here" sign on top of Diamondview (its just out of the picture in that CCDC webshot)


i think it would be very appropriate if the 4SD logo was up there, as they will be doing work from inside that building in the coming months...

your thoughts?

[keg92101]

anybody catch the "Your Name Here" sign on top of Diamondview (its just out of the picture in that CCDC webshot)


i think it would be very appropriate if the 4SD logo was up there, as they will be doing work from inside that building in the coming months...

your thoughts?

To the highest bidder. This building may have a different sign on every side, as this was one of the income capabilities that helped this building to pencil financially

[Derek]

i think Cox has some office space in there (if i recall correctly...)

[keg92101]

Check out the link below. NYC landlords certainly get the most out of their vacant storefronts. Our SD landlords ought to take note of this strategy. It would certainly be more interesting than a vacant space with a "Burnham Real Estate" sign!

http://www.blogchelsea.com/arts-culture/is-22nd-street-part-of-times-square/

[bmfarley]

Almost completed.... the temporary lot at Imperial and 14th.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/farleybrandon/SD%20View/DSCF2114.jpg

[Derek]

its amazing how fast these new parking lots go in...:no:

[Derek]

I've seen her before from youtube. She's the epitome of sexiness!!!! However, I find this even more sexy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5ZpGxv32_I

i just noticed this...i like:tup:

[HurricaneHugo]

i remember when i first joined there was only like 4 of us...now theres about 8...its nice:)


Pfft, been here since 02.

Im still waiting for Charles' avatar that was due fall 02....

[spoonman]

^and we're hoping the cat comes back...lol

[Derek]

Pfft, been here since 02.

Im still waiting for Charles' avatar that was due fall 02....

oh yeah...what ever happened to Hatfield?

[Urban Sky]

i remember when i first joined there was only like 4 of us...now theres about 8...its nice:)






(talk about a LONG Pads game...a win is a win though;))

YEAH, what are you talking about 4 people? ive been here since 03...and there were more than that even then.

[dl3000]

^I watched the video, and SD is depicted as parked cars on the freeway and palm trees...lol

Actually thats the piece of the tracks near Bay Park off the 5, you can see the Mission Bay Hilton in the background.

[bmfarley]

Actually thats the piece of the tracks near Bay Park off the 5, you can see the Mission Bay Hilton in the background.Yeah... and I5 is probably accurately depicted as having a bunch of cars stuck in traffic.... as in a jam... in the future.

I know people here are spoiled.... with hardly much traffic congestion. But what's depicted on I5 near Mission Bay is very much like a lot of LA and SF area freeways today. Saturdays too.

[spoonman]

Yeah... and I5 is probably accurately depicted as having a bunch of cars stuck in traffic.... as in a jam... in the future.

I know people here are spoiled.... with hardly much traffic congestion. But what's depicted on I5 near Mission Bay is very much like a lot of LA and SF area freeways today. Saturdays too.

I live in Fullerton in northern Orange County and I have to say that traffic is about the same. San Diego however, is fortunate to have a better designed freeway system. Not only are the connectors better, but there is a freeway for almost any direction you would want to go. Much of the freeway congestion around here is due to a few choke points that are a result of poor design and a poorly designed "web".

[SDCAL]

Lindberg is the busiest single runway in the nation. And probably ranks up there in the world rankings. Why? Because we are operating at capacity. This means that we could afford to have another runway. Unfortunately, we don't have the space. It IS time to move the airport. Once the airports growth is no longer stunted, I think we will see some really positive changes in the way the airport operates and the business it brings to the city. Really, it's a positive thing no matter how you look at it. I'm not understanding why people dont get it!! :shrug:

Lindbergh is the busiest single runway in the nation and the 2nd busiest in the world. The busiest single run-way is London's Gatwick, which doesn't need to worry about large international-bound planes because Heathrow handles those. Even so, there are plans to expand Gatwick.

[Trvlr]

Lindbergh is the busiest single runway in the nation and the 2nd busiest in the world. The busiest single run-way is London's Gatwick, which doesn't need to worry about large international-bound planes because Heathrow handles those. Even so, there are plans to expand Gatwick.

Quite true, although Gatwick handles its fair share of intercontinental traffic.

The airport also doesn't have to worry about large planes because A) physically, it is a larger facility (1000+ acres to Lindbergs ~500 acres) and B) the runway is longer and less obstructed, meaning such aircraft do not incur operational restrictions that limit their range and/or capacity.

Aaron G.

[SDCAL]

Hi everyone,

I just registered here and I've decided to post for the first time. I grew up in San Diego, but currently live in Chicago, where I go to school and will be working for the next few years.

My background is primarily in aviation, but I also have a fairly solid interest in wider transportation issues, as well as urban planning.

If you guys have any questions about (commercial) aviation in San Diego, I can probably answer them. As far as the airport goes, I'm pessimistic for the time being, although I think push will come to shove over the next decade, when the effect of increased traffic will translate into more acute delays and road congestion. In the meantime, the best we can expect is an improvement of terminal facilities, including an expansion of the newest part of Terminal 2. However, SAN has 41 gates now, and will max out--for good--at around 60.

In terms of international air service, SAN has been a victim of its size. Big aircraft such as the 747 and 777 simply can't take off from the airport without taking a weight penalty. I am fairly sure that even British Airways' nonstop 777 service to London had to take a cargo penalty which rendered the flight unprofitable. Lately, there has been very serious talk about Philippine Airlines flying to Manila, via Vancouver. However, I believe Canada and the Philippines need to expand their bilateral air service agreement to allow for more flights in and out of Canada before the airline can start service. If this happens, I think we could see Philippine at SAN within the year. Other than that, I think we will need to wait for Boeing's newest airplane, the medium-sized 787, to enter service with multiple airline before we can expect to be connected the likes of Tokyo and London.

The article by UCSD Steve Erie that someone posted earlier in the thread sums up the central problem with airport planning and, in my opinion, city planning in San Diego. There's a very powerful contingent of people who thinks that if we stop growth altogether, we can regain the sleepy Navy town identity we had back in the 60s and 70s. The reality is that this will never happen--there are simply too many people here. Paradoxically, this policy, embodied by people such as Christine Kehoe (who is purely politically motivated--I actually don't mind Donna Frye if she acts as a development watchdog as opposed to an opponent altogether), will probably contribute to a decline in our quality of life, as corporate flight from the city causes our tax base to decline.

In the meantime, I am very happy with what is going on downtown. I went to Bondi and a few other places when I was back here over spring break, and for the first time I felt that the Gaslamp had moved beyond a conventioneer's playground. I agree, however, that there needs to be a better mix of office & residential development. Indeed, I've always wondered why firms such as Bosa and Irvine don't work together to attract high-value tenants; I'm sure there are at least a few companies out there that would love to house their employees within a 5-minute walk to work.

Thanks everyone,
Trvlr
Welcome and interesting post about Philippines Air, I had not heard about that. When you say there is talk of a SAN-Manila flight via Vancouver, do you mean the plane would fly (Manila-bound) Vancouver-SAN-Manila or SAN-Vancouver-Manila? I am assuming Vancouver-SAN-Manila since Manila is south of SD and Vancouver North?

[SDCAL]

I would like to see the city officials who have the power to change the height limits answer these questions:

(1) I live downtown and very often, including this past weekend, see a blimp (sometimes more than one!) sleuthing overhead, well over 500ft. If downtown airspace is really dangerous for objects (be they buildings or anything else) over 500 ft, I don't think they would let a blimp fly over regularly??!?

(2) I live near the ballpark and never, ever see or hear a commercial airplane flying overhead (only the occasional helicopter). Why can’t >500ft buildings be built in the east part of downtown which is not near the airport or any flight-path??

Unfortunately, posting on this site is preaching to the choir. We need to start emailing the city council or whoever is in charge of this and ask for answers

[Urban Sky]

I would like to see the city officials who have the power to change the height limits answer these questions:

(1) I live downtown and very often, including this past weekend, see a blimp (sometimes more than one!) sleuthing overhead, well over 500ft. If downtown airspace is really dangerous for objects (be they buildings or anything else) over 500 ft, I don't think they would let a blimp fly over regularly??!?

(2) I live near the ballpark and never, ever see or hear a commercial airplane flying overhead (only the occasional helicopter). Why can’t >500ft buildings be built in the east part of downtown which is not near the airport or any flight-path??

Unfortunately, posting on this site is preaching to the choir. We need to start emailing the city council or whoever is in charge of this and ask for answers


yes, it is preaching to the choir :yes: :haha: I have the same questions myself and there is no really good reasons that I know of. I've seen several aborted landings when I lived in Bankers Hill (which is pretty much under the flight path) and NONE of them actually TURNED towards downtown during the sequence of events that followed. Even during fog they still go straight....AND when the fog is thick enough, the land in the opposite direction. So I don't get it either.

[Derek]

I would like to see the city officials who have the power to change the height limits answer these questions:

(1) I live downtown and very often, including this past weekend, see a blimp (sometimes more than one!) sleuthing overhead, well over 500ft. If downtown airspace is really dangerous for objects (be they buildings or anything else) over 500 ft, I don't think they would let a blimp fly over regularly??!?

(2) I live near the ballpark and never, ever see or hear a commercial airplane flying overhead (only the occasional helicopter). Why can’t >500ft buildings be built in the east part of downtown which is not near the airport or any flight-path??

Unfortunately, posting on this site is preaching to the choir. We need to start emailing the city council or whoever is in charge of this and ask for answers

thank you for sharing your thoughts, i agree with them:tup:

[Derek]

Welcome and interesting post about Philippines Air, I had not heard about that. When you say there is talk of a SAN-Manila flight via Vancouver, do you mean the plane would fly (Manila-bound) Vancouver-SAN-Manila or SAN-Vancouver-Manila? I am assuming Vancouver-SAN-Manila since Manila is south of SD and Vancouver North?

im not very good at reading air travel...when you say Vancouver-SAN-Manila...does this mean it goes from Vancouver to SD and then Manila? im just curious:)

[eburress]

I would like to see the city officials who have the power to change the height limits answer these questions:

(1) I live downtown and very often, including this past weekend, see a blimp (sometimes more than one!) sleuthing overhead, well over 500ft. If downtown airspace is really dangerous for objects (be they buildings or anything else) over 500 ft, I don't think they would let a blimp fly over regularly??!?

(2) I live near the ballpark and never, ever see or hear a commercial airplane flying overhead (only the occasional helicopter). Why can’t >500ft buildings be built in the east part of downtown which is not near the airport or any flight-path??

Unfortunately, posting on this site is preaching to the choir. We need to start emailing the city council or whoever is in charge of this and ask for answers

About #2, I think the issue is that there is an emergency/backup/secondary flight path that runs directly over downtown, including the East Village. So, while planes never fly over downtown, they technically could. ;)

It doesn't seem like it would require an act of congress to choose another emergency flight path though.

[Derek]

^they could just fly over Coronado...why make a nearly 90 degree turn?