San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
IS EAST VILLAGE GREEN WORTH THE COST?
San Diego Institute for Economic Research
University of San Diego
London Moeder Advisors
NO
With features deemed necessary to the park’s success having already been eliminated, projections for the costs are significantly increased before even commencing. The underground 182-unit garage, accounting for a large portion of the projected total cost, seems exorbitant at $192K per parking space. Will it become an obsessively expensive park used for homeless encampments as well? The final price or reasonable calculation of the price to be completed (and likely to be increased) is already excessive.
NO
There is definitely a need for a park in that area. The population of downtown is growing and the park would serve as an open space and a place for the community to gather. The problem is that the cost has been blown out of proportion by the inclusion of the underground parking garage. Most people using the park would probably just walk to get there, and the inclusion of the garage works against city policy of reducing dependence on cars.
YES
But I need to stress that if it is going to become another homeless haven, no thanks. Guarantee a sufficient operational budget for security. I also suggest that the city lose the parking structure. It’s a neighborhood park. No more structures needed. With those modifications, get this park built! If downtown is going to truly accommodate some families (not to mention the dogs), particularly in East Village, the park is critical.
Manpower
Intellisolutions
Weave Growth
YES
But not the underground parking. It is meant to be a neighborhood park that users can walk to or take mass transit. It is not a venue for large gatherings so no need for additional parking. As we saw with Children’s Park, which is being completely redesigned at great expense, parks in downtown need to be activated day and night to avoid becoming homeless camps and spiraling into the same disrepair as Horton Plaza. Put back the cafes and retail … use the full amount of money to build out the full park in a way that San Diegans will be proud of it and use it.
NO
A children’s play area, a performance pavilion, dog park and a two-story recreation center would be an incredible amenity for East Village residents. However, paying nearly $80 million for four acres of land is atrocious. To reduce costs, the parking garage should be eliminated, and the cafes restored to make it a true gathering place for residents. Our city faces many issues including homelessness, infrastructure and housing affordability. These issues should be addressed first before investing
$80 million into any new amenities like this one.
NO
Everyone wants more parks, but $80 million poured largely into an underground parking structure in an area currently suffering from homelessness misses the mark. The city does not even own large parts of the blocks that they propose to build around. If the park is truly for the neighborhood, why does it need a $40 million parking structure? Deploy the budget to ameliorate the underlying issues; provide housing, job training, mental health services, etc.