Last month, the planning department of the City of San Diego was folded into the Development Services Department. Locals worry the shift in perspective will endanger plans being developed in a dozen different neighborhoods.
Mayor Jerry Sanders made the downgrade last month, and many city officials are concerned that the priorities of Development Services will not jibe with the goals of the planners.
Roger Showley reports:
"What's reduced planning as a priority is the dire city budget, which faces tens of millions of dollars in revenue shortfalls. Now, officials have to make choices - fund community plans or police on the beat, compose long-range visions or keep libraries and recreation centers open.
Sanders hopes to save at least $1 million by closing the Planning Department and lopping off a few executives and support personnel."
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