In February, the city council approved One Paseo, a 1.4 million-square-foot mix of offices, residences, retail, and entertainment. The project's detractors have forced a referendum, putting a kink in San Diego's urbanist planning ambitions.

One Paseo, in various iterations, has been a subject of debate in San Diego for the past six years. "Project backers say that One Paseo closely follows the city's stated goal of creating a 'city of villages,' channeling growth to high-density, infill projects."
Critics say the project does little to integrate its density with the low-slung, affluent neighborhoods nearby. "'On its own terms, it is a very, very good project,' says William Fulton, the city's former planning director [...] 'But it is an island in an auto-oriented suburban development.'"
High-density development, in general, faces "stiff resistance from neighborhood groups, which typically wield tremendous influence in the city's planning process. A proposal to build taller buildings near light-rail stations in the Bay Park area of San Diego was ultimately tabled after community complaints about views and traffic."
On May 18, the San Diego City Council will opt either to repeal their February decision or put the matter to a public vote.
FULL STORY: San Diego Wrestles With Densification

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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