Housing Advocates Meet To Discuss Older Neighborhoods

Local housing advocates and policymakers from San Diego's central-city community met during a half-day forum to address how older neighborhoods will meet the region's expected population growth of 1 million people. On the issue of affordable housing, home developers expressed concerns about the complex zoning rules, inflexible building officials and community planning groups that oppose large-scale development. Local volunteers polled residents in 11 neighborhoods to identify issues of concern. Seventy-four considered rent control of high importance, while 80 percent said they want better schools. Pollster Daniel Yankelovich said that community leaders need to do more than organize and be advocates for better housing and educational opportunities.