Concerns over housing density and safety spark San Diego march

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Neighbors in South Park and Golden Hill gathered Sunday for a colorful, family-friendly “March & Roll” protest to spark conversation about how local and state housing policies are affecting neighborhood safety, livability and density.

Participants, including families with strollers, bikes and scooters, marched along tree-lined streets past small businesses in one of San Diego’s historic neighborhoods.

Jennifer James, a protest organizer, said the demonstration was not against development, but called for smarter planning.

“It’s mind-boggling to me we are putting the safety of entire communities at risk,” she said.

James said a proposed development on A Street could add more than 500 units across roughly 10 blocks located along an evacuation route.

“It’s a safety issue because over 500 units are going to bring in so many more people, so many more bodies, so many more cars. All of this is going to clog these evacuation routes and we are not going to be able to get out,” James said.

James also said the neighborhood falls within a high fire severity zone, compounding safety concerns.

“Frankly what we are asking for is just bring the property down to three stories, just make it reasonable. Do the traffic study, do the things to make us safe. Bring it down so that we can actually have a safe community and we are fine with development,” she said.

The protest coincides with debate over California Senate Bill 79, which would up-zone areas near transit to allow mid-rise housing of four to nine stories. Supporters of SB79 say the bill will help increase housing supply and reduce dependence on cars.

Organizers said their goal was to bring neighbors together and raise awareness about how development decisions affect everyday safety and quality of life in the community.