The future of the derelict building across from Urban MOs has finally been determined.

Over the last few years, plans for 301 University have ranged from residential tower, to mixed use residential/retail, to boutique hotel – each with community amenities, extra parking, new residents and an active retail street scene. However, these plans have failed due to differing visions of Hillcrest’s future.

Now, one plan has succeeded: 301 University is to be a Walgreens store.

While the design of the Walgreens is not yet known, another one story, windowless, stucco box with surface parking would be a worst-case scenario. That suburban style Walgreens would rip at the urban fabric and character of HIllcrest. We hope that Walgreens will work with the neighborhood to design an exciting mixed-use project that features a Walgreens store at the street level. That would be welcomed with open arms.

How did Hillcrest get to this point? How did we go from projects designed with community input and community amenities, to a possible windowless, one story box-in-a-parking-lot?

In 2007 Hillcrest residents rose up in an outcry against the possibility of a 150 to 200 foot tall buildings in Hillcrest. This outcry resulted in a temporary measure called the “Interim Height Ordinance” (IHO). The IHO limits building heights to a mandatory 65 feet in Hillcrest.

Under the IHO a 70-foot tall boutique hotel (5 feet over the IHO) that had been proposed for the site would be rejected today. Because the current IHO leaves no room for discretion, the Hillcrest community would lose the opportunity to discuss and decide for itself if this building was good for the neighborhood.

In January the IHO is set to expire. A new IHO is needed, but we need a better IHO – one that helps create the livable, walkable, vital and vibrant Hillcrest we all want. The San Diego Planning Commission and the Department of Development Services Code Monitoring Team (CMT) support the following three improvements to the IHO, and so should we:

One – The 65 foot height limit in Hillcrest was a good idea the first time, and it is still a good idea. The community agrees — no super tall buildings.

Two – a discretionary process: Residents of Hillcrest should have a choice when it comes to what is built in their neighborhood. They should be able to discuss and decide based on the merit of the building, not just height, what is good for Hillcrest.

Three – The Planning Department needs incentive to finish the Uptown Community Plan. The IHO should sunset in order to provide that extra push to finish

We urge you to contact Councilmember Todd Gloria and tell him you support the recommendations of the CMT and Planning Commission. Let him know you support a better IHO. Tell him you want the opportunity to have more than stucco boxes.

Support for a new urban, people-oriented design has taken hold across the country. In San Diego it can be seen in neighborhoods like Little Italy, North Park, and Golden Hill — and now there is a growing movement afoot in Hillcrest.

Join the movement and your fellow Hillcrest enthusiasts at “URB.EN” on Facebook
www.facebook.com/urbensd

Walter Chambers
Hillcrest Resident

Pete Katz
Katz Properties

Glenn Younger
President, CEO Grah Security