SAN DIEGO — Could more high-rise housing be coming to Hillcrest in the coming decades? City planners have released a new blueprint for the future of this historic neighborhood.
This revised plan not only eyes the future of Hillcrest, especially when it comes to development, but also celebrates its past.
The updated blueprint for the future of Hillcrest opens the way for more development, including the potential for dozens of high-rise buildings up to 30 stories, to make way for 20,000 new units.
"The housing is something we are excited about," said Benjamin Nicholls, executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association. "We're eager to see thousands of new residents living above our stores, living in the neighborhood in a more urban environment."
Nicholls sees this new vision for the neighborhood, which also includes plans for more bike lanes, one -way streets, and pedestrian walkways - as well as a streetcar system connecting Hillcrest to surrounding communities as a way to help meet San Diego's climate action goals.
"Supporting a community plan like this is how we can create shorter travel times and less reliance on our cars," Nicholls told CBS 8, "and that is how we can start to address some of these climate challenges that we have."
"I am beyond concerned," said longtime Hillcrest resident Mat Wahlstrom. "It really would be devastating."
Wahlstrom is a board member of Uptown Planners, as well as a member of the community group 'Rescue Hillcrest.'
Speaking for himself, Wahlstrom said he believes there need to be requirements in place, not just recommendations, for more affordable housing.
Wahlstrom said he's concerned that if these housing guidelines are approved, the community would lack input into future large-scale developments.
"Hillcrest as we know it will disappear," Wahlstrom told CBS 8. "It will be converted into a canyon of high rises. Any character or charm will be gone."
Nicholls said he sees this perspective as short-sighted, "because Hillcrest welcomes new people.. and how do we welcome new residents if we don't have any housing for them?"
"What's driving this is not need, it's greed," Wahlstrom added. "It's all about opening up the way for developers to do whatever they want wherever they want."
This updated vision also contains plans for a specially designated LGBTQ+ historic district to recognize Hillcrest's legacy as the center of San Diego's gay community.
"It's one thing to have rainbow flags and banners and a rainbow crosswalk," Nicholls said. "but the good thing about this plan is that it includes real protections of the LGBT community."
The community has until November 17 to comment on this revised plan.