Some residents are livid over a high-density, multi-story, mixed-use apartment proposed on the former San Diego County Credit Union site in Point Loma Village next to Cabrillo Elementary School.

Peninsula residents are also up in arms insisting the City hasn’t been forthcoming with details about the project, which is not presently required to undergo public review.

A building permit application for the large-scale project at 1004 Rosecrans St. was submitted to the City’s Development Services Department in August. “The project scope for 1004 Rosecrans St. has been submitted as a 4-story mixed-use multi-dwelling unit,” said Richard Berg, City senior spokesperson. “It’s 56 residential units including eight affordable units, three low-income units, two low-income units, and three moderate-income units. It will also include a commercial suite and 45 parking spaces at its basement level.”

Berg noted review of relevant permits will include whether the project meets parking and traffic standards. “The project is still being actively reviewed by the City,” Berg said of its status adding, “When the applicant would be able to obtain its permits, and when construction would begin, depends on the applicant providing necessary corrections to their plans. And those corrections being approved upon further review.”

Concerning the planning process by which 1004 Rosecrans St. would be approved by the City, Berg noted, “The municipal code does not require the applicant to seek public input, for example, from a community planning group, as this is a ministerial project, subject to review by staff without public hearing or discretionary action.”

Fred Kosmo, chair of the Peninsula Community Planning Board, said local planners and residents are concerned about numerous aspects of the proposed 1004 Rosecrans housing development. “On its face, the 4-story, 56-unit proposal appears to violate the 30-foot height limit and has inadequate parking in an area that already has parking issues,” he said. “The project is inconsistent with the neighborhood and will cause traffic and congestion problems.”

Added Kosmo: “Historically, this project would have been reviewed by the Point Loma Planning Board. However, the City has designated the project ministerial to avoid planning board review. We have questioned this improper designation, but the City refuses to respond appropriately. Also, the City has always freely shared public building plans with the planning board.

“However, with this project, the City has refused to share copies or even allow the planning board to review the proposed plans. At this point, it appears that the City, starting with the mayor’s office, is in bed with the developers and doesn’t care about the adverse impacts on Point Loma.”

Meanwhile, there has been an outpouring of public dissent over the project from residents adamant that this is the wrong development in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Following are comments from Point Loma residents willing to share their perspectives on the project:

Megan Bryan is concerned about schoolchildren’s safety. “Please consider the local neighborhood views on a project slated to seriously impact a narrow gateway to the residential zone of Point Loma,” she asked. “The proposed densely populated mixed-use multifamily project with insufficient parking will negatively impact the congestion and safety for Cabrillo Elementary school children located next door.

“It is incomprehensible to me how we as residents (must) comply with the local zoning regulations that have been in place for decades. Yet politicians and out-of-town developers just looking to make a buck and political points, enjoy privileges beyond the neighborhood’s residents to develop a project which will so negatively impact our livelihood.”

Irene Damsky wants more details. “I am asking for myself and on behalf of my neighbors for the information on the development project,” she said noting, “There is limited parking in this area, a sandy soil water table, a school next door, and already excessive traffic on Rosecrans due to the military base. We want to see the pollution study, and phase 1 and 2 environmental and traffic studies.”

Gale Krause lives on Trumbull Street in Point Loma about two blocks up the hill from 1004 Rosecrans. She is mostly concerned about the safety of Cabrillo Elementary students. “The plan to allow more than 50 units to be built on such a small lot next door to an elementary school is absurd and unsafe,” she said. “As it is, parking is very difficult in the area, and traffic when parents are picking up or dropping off their children at Cabrillo Elementary frequently comes to a standstill.

“If the proposed building is allowed to be built, there will be no place for Cabrillo Elementary parents to park or wait for their children, and safety will be compromised for all involved. For the safety of our children and grandchildren, help us draw attention to the lack of thought that has gone into this project.”

Wayne Triena is most concerned about the project exceeding the 30-foot coastal height limit. “There have been numerous requests for a hearing with no results and I also object to the removal of the 30-foot height limit by the City Council,” he said noting, “This was voted by the people in 1972. Most of the buildings of apartments and bonus ADUs are on the market and do not help to solve the homelessness issue. We need to have community input before this type of project goes forward.”

Andrea de Rosa is concerned about the development being a plan- and community-buster, as well as its being a safety threat in an emergency. “Allowing this development with so many condominiums to this already strained intersection and main thoroughfare will go directly against the goal of the Rosecrans corridor study, and negatively impact the overall quality of life in this neighborhood and along the corridor,” she contended.

“The study’s goal is to improve pedestrian access, bicycle facilities and accessibility, transit operations and facilities, and traffic flow. But this development and others like it will turn this area into a death trap during an emergency. Should there ever be any emergency or natural disaster, such as a fire, tsunami, or earthquake, those who live, work, and spend leisure time here will be put at risk, all due to the City’s lack of vision and planning.”