CHULA VISTA, Calif. — After more than a year of being closed, Chula Vista's Harborside Park is officially reopening.
The Chula Vista City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward. The council considered whether to reopen the park or redevelop the site for housing and a recreation facility.
Councilmembers agreed to reopen Harborside Park with safety enhancements, meaning more fencing, better lighting, and park ranger station.
The park was closed in August of last year after it became overrun with homelessness and illegal activity. While it was initially closed for a 90-day period, the closure was extended as city officials tried to come up with a plan.
“We need to secure the park. We need to reopen the park and enforce our laws on the park,” said resident Rudy Ramirez.
Councilmembers heard from dozens of public speakers. Almost all of them opposed the option to build up to 168 housing units on the five-acre park, an option the council had been weighing in recent months,
“We don’t need that additional housing there," said one resident.
The park is also next to an elementary school.
“I think the city should keep its commitment to the children. The children need the park, they need to run and play," added another resident.
Many residents have rallied to reopen the park since its August 2022 closure, and Tuesday's council meeting was no exception.
“There’s no reason why we have to be begging for a park for the children, I mean, this is our community," said another person.
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