SAN DIEGO — If the San Diego City Council ultimately approves the Mayor's new plan for a 1000-bed homeless shelter in Middletown, a controversial proposal to build a massive, temporary shelter at H Barracks near Harbor Island would be shelved.
In its place would be a Safe Parking site with space for up to 200 vehicles.
While Point Loma residents opposed to that original plan call this a small victory, they still have major concerns over the revised proposal for this site next to the San Diego International Airport.
"H Barracks is still moving forward," said Mayor Todd Gloria.
"While we will focus H Barracks on safe parking, this does not foreclose on the possibility for other options such as a 'sprung shelter' depending on the need and city resources," Mayor Gloria added.
"There is still concern on our part," said Derek Falconer, who formed Point Loma Cares, a non-profit formed to fight back against the city's initial plan to site a massive homeless shelter at H Barracks.
While the nine schools in the surrounding area have been their primary safety concern, he said that there are other concerns as well.
"This site has environmental contamination," Falconer added. "It's not a good spot for the homeless. It is 250 feet from the airport. It's across the street from a children's playground. Liberty station is right here, which is the largest bayfront recreation area in San Diego."
Resident still have questions about this revised plan on this city-owned property.
"I think this is a step towards victory at this site, but there are still deep concerns that there is a pattern of behavior from the city that doesn't engage communities or residents," Falconer told CBS 8.
"My administration has been engaging with the surrounding community," Mayor Gloria said Thursday morning, "leading a series of meetings to hear directly from residents."
However, Falconer countered that that engagement has not happened, especially when it comes to using this property for safe parking.
"That sort of proposal again has not been discussed or run by our community," he added. "We want input, we want to be part of the solution, but we need to be part of the discussion as well."
Falconer said this plan affects more than just Point Loma, and that his group intends to continue its fight no matter what ends up on the property.
"We continue to look forward to conversation with the city, and if not, then litigation," he said.
Whatever is ultimately sited on this property, including a safe parking site, will only be temporary.
As it stands now, this property will eventually be used for a water treatment facility, which will begin planned construction by 2029.
WATCH RELATED: San Diego announces plans for a new 1,000-person homeless shelter in Middletown