SAN DIEGO — Mayor Todd Gloria is expected to sign the Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment into law Wednesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, The San Diego City Council approved neighborhood plans that pave the way for tens of thousands of housing units to be built in Hillcrest and University City.
"Hillcrest is a fabulous neighborhood accepting of people as who they are and more people should get to live in Hillcrest," said a Hillcrest resident.
The Hillcrest plan paves the way for 17,000 new housing units. It could more than double Hillcrest's population from 40,000 now to 100,000 people by the year 2050.
"I don't want to continue to see my colleagues and neighbors forced to live in closets of full bedrooms they split four ways because of the housing shortage," said another Hillcrest resident.
Although the plan opens the door for more housing, some say it doesn't go far enough.
"We need to guarantee affordability and accessibility and in it's current form I'm afraid this plan unfortunately falls short of those goals," said another speaker.
There were also concerns over traffic, parking and infrastructure. Similar concerns were shared by residents in University City.
"When you're taking away lanes it's going to increase wait times for people and traffic going by those areas. When you're talking about bringing in homes the affordable housing aspect is quite vague," said University City resident.
Council approved the University City plan as well. It allows for 30,000 new housing units which could double the population there.
"I have had to brave the University City rental market twice now and it's a warzone," said a University City resident. "Put San Diego on a path to a more affordable and sustainable future."
Tuesday's votes essentially changes zoning regulations so builders can start moving on future projects.
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