About 200 residents gathered outside Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library recently to protest two proposed developments in the beach community that would exceed the 30-foot coastal height limit, in effect since Prop. D passed in 1972.

One project, which would be 50 feet tall, is where Wasabi Sushi used to be at 2662 Garnet Ave. next to Rose Creek off Interstate 5. Another proposed high rise would be on the corner where French Gourmet with three other properties on the same block is at 970 Turquoise St. in North PB. That redevelopment, which opponents are calling the “pencil tower,” is proposed to be 22 stories and 250 feet in height. For more information, visit pbplanning.org and neighborsforabettercalifornia.org.

On Oct. 9 at a rally outside PB library before a Pacific Beach Planning Group meeting, a group of coastal residents protested both projects contending the 30-foot coastal height limit is not only being ignored by the local government but no longer exists.

“This is the start, this is going to take some time,” said Scott Chipman, a Pacific Beach Planning Group member speaking for himself, in officially launching a public effort opposing coastal projects above 30 feet in height. “We’re not opposed to development. We’re not opposed to infill construction. We are opposed to irresponsible planning and projects that abuse the people who are already here.”

Chipman announced a website, sdforresponsibleplanning.org, which states that SDFRP is “dedicated to preserving the character and livability of our neighborhoods by advocating for thoughtful, sustainable development. We seek to ensure that zoning and construction decisions prioritize the well-being of residents, protect our environment, and maintain the unique charm of our communities while addressing housing needs through responsible and balanced planning.”

Chipman noted that SDFRP is serious about preventing unchecked high-rise development. “If we have to have litigation – we’ll have litigation,” he said. “If we have to have an initiative – we’ll have an initiative. If we have to recall somebody – we’ll have a recall.”

Added Chipman: “We are going to stop this because, if we don’t, it is just the beginning of what will come. You can see what can be called ‘protecting the coastline,” he said referring to a poster depicting a mock-up of how much taller the ‘pencil tower’ would be above surrounding development. “That is not protecting the coastline. You could be looking at that within the next few years: The back of high rises. What would we have to pay, in terms of the quality of our lives and our communities, if we let that happen?”

Chipman accused the local government of irresponsible planning, arguing it has been going on for years. “Project after project is being approved by the City with minimal or absolutely no parking,” he said adding, “I am not going to vote for any project that doesn’t have at least one parking space per bedroom. There is an assumption [the City] is making that if you can’t park your car, or can’t get it in or out of the community, you won’t have a car. That will not happen for at least 10 or 20 years if it ever happens. Only 4% of the public is using public transportation.”

PROPOSED PROJECTS

– 2661 Garnet: Rose Creek Village, 5-story building. Proposed on the former Wasabi Sushi restaurant site at 2661 Garnet Ave. on a small triangular lot across from Weinerschnitzel and next to Rose Creek. A roughly 50-foot-tall building with 60 housing units for low-income tenants with nine parking spaces is proposed to overshadow the Rose Creek wetlands habitat. The location is one of the busiest traffic-wise in Pacific Beach.

– 970 Turquoise: Vela, 22-story building. The proposed, privately funded high-rise project is at the north corner of Cass and Turquoise, where the German Motors garage, Freddy’s Liquor store, and the French Gourmet are located. A 22-story building project is proposed on four lots with a height of 250 feet with a hotel accommodating 139 visitors on nine floors. The project envisions 74 housing units with 10 units (five low-income and five moderate-income).