Pacific Beach town hall focuses on new housing and oversized vehicles

Large-scale, controversial housing projects and people staying overnight in vehicles were the top concerns voiced by Pacific Beach residents during a recent town hall meeting.

The Pacific Beach Town Council hosted the Nov. 5 meeting with City Council President Joe LaCava at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in PB.

With attendees ranging from locals to government officials, the primary focus was a question and answer session with LaCava.

The councilmember, whose District 1 includes Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Torrey Pines and Del Mar Mesa, served as a sounding board for the community during the meeting. The evening was a chance for locals to connect directly with their elected city representative and address the region’s short- and long-term goals.

“Several of the most notable topics discussed were the two large project developments happening in Pacific Beach right now,” said PB Town Council President Charlie Nieto. “The first is the Turquoise Tower, which is a 23-story residential tower. The other is a newer project called Chalcifica, a 136-unit project.”

The Turquoise Tower and Chalcifica have both been important discussion points for locals, Nieto said. With each hosting their individual opposition, community groups like Neighbors for a Better California and Neighbors for a Better Pacific Beach have rallied behind halting each build.

“These were very big news, as a lot of us did not know how they were being processed by the city or what was going on with either project,” Nieto said. “LaCava explained that he is opposed to the Turquoise Tower, because he does not want there to be a giant lighthouse in Pacific Beach for ships out in the ocean to be able to see ‘oh there is Pacific Beach.’”

“Council President LaCava continues his opposition to any project that pierces the voter-initiated 30-foot coastal height limit,” according to Chris Chan, LaCava’s director of council communications. “There is a process to do so. SeaWorld and the Mission Brewery initiated ballot measures and successfully gained the support of the voters. The applicant is processing its permit through the city’s Development Services Department. The city is continuing its review; no permit has been issued.”

According to LaCava’s office, in August, Chatten-Brown Law Group filed a petition on behalf of Neighbors for a Better Pacific Beach, stating that the 136-unit project has been improperly processed by the city.

“Chalcifica was submitted to the City’s Department of Development Services seeking a building permit,” LaCava said after the meeting. “DSD has determined that the application did not qualify for a ministerial permit but instead, must apply for a discretionary permit. We have been told that it will require a ‘Process Four’ permit which would be heard by the Planning Commission, and appealable to the City Council.

“Given the likelihood that this project, unless modified, will be heard by the City Council at a quasi-judicial hearing, I will base my decision and findings on the evidence presented at the hearing,” LaCava said.

The Oversized Vehicle Ordinance and the Vehicle Habitation Ordinance were also among topics discussed.

“This relates to public safety,” Nieto said. “People are concerned about the OVO and the VHO. This pertains to campers and RVs. People voiced concern about safety and cleanliness.

“LaCava reminded the community that the city cannot enforce a lot of those unless there is a safe place for the people to go,” Nieto added. “With the recent opening of the H-Barracks safe parking site in Point Loma, they can now start to enforce the policy.”

Often, seeing oversized vehicles parked in lots and residential streets can be frustrating, and LaCava’s explanation was well received, Nieto said.

“A recent litigation settlement, the city was restricted on enforcement of VHO and overnight camping until it could provide an alternative,” LaCava said after the meeting. “The opening of Safe Parking at ‘H Barracks’ just west of the airport was that alternative.

“San Diego Police Department has been making nightly rounds in Mission Bay parking lots when they close at 2 a.m.,” LaCava said. “It is a slow process, but there has been a significant reduction in VHO. There are still too many and these individuals are still vulnerable with few options. I continue to work with the Mayor’s Office to find solutions that ensure everyone’s health and safety.”

Other topics attendees raised with their councilmember included a new short-term rental tax and automatic license plate readers.

In all, Nieto said the town hall served as a chance for clarity, questions, answers and communication between LaCava and residents.

“It is all about education,” Nieto said.