Author: Paul Coogan

Normal Heights for Smart Growth met with the developer to discuss potential modifications to the Mars Hotel Project given that the proposed parcels are not in a TPA and therefore not eligible for variances to the Municipal Code under the Complete Communities Plan. We shared the concerns that the community has shared with us. We…

We have obtained documentation that, on August 24, MTS confirmed in correspondence with DSD that there was never a plan to run two #11 buses along Adams Avenue. DSD has no basis to claim that the parcels identified for the Mars Hotel Project are in a TPA. The project is noncompliant until the developer revises…

We were informed that Sand Diego Development Services Department (DSD) plans to approve the Mars Hotel Project based on a misinterpretation of the 2015/2019 SANDAG Regional Transit Plan (RTP). According to this misinterpretation, two #11 buses were planned to run along Adams Avenue as of 2015.

Last night the NHCPG voted 5 to 3 to send a follow up letter to the city asking that they: a) Request that the developer resubmit the Mars Project in accordance with underlying City of San Diego Municipal Code for the parcel – not the incorrect Complete Communities Plan and b) Update the draft Complete…

Normal Heights for Smart Growth met with city representation from the offices of Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and presented the technical analysis showing that the site of the proposed Mars Project is not within a TPA and therefore does not qualify for variances in height, density, parking, or developer…

The Planning Department updated their Transit Priority Area (TPA) map based on the current Regional Transit Plan (RTP; adopted 12/10/2021). It is important to note that this RTP was in effect at the time of the developer’s application and his TPA analysis must be consistent with this plan. It is now clear that on the…

The Adams Avenue Business Association (AABA) sends letter to Councilmembers Whitburn and Elo-Rivera and Mayor Gloria opposing the Mars Project emphasizing the project is outside a TPA.