• Calendar Year 2011
• Calendar Year 2010
• Calendar Year 2009
• Calendar Years 2008 and Before
• Other Agency News

Calendar Year 2011

Crossroads Streetlight Construction Begins – December 20, 2011
Construction has begun on the installation of 13 new induction streetlights along Streamview Drive from 54th Street to College Avenue, and 33 additional induction streetlights along El Cajon Boulevard from 54th Street to 73rd Street in the Crossroads Redevelopment Project Area. The streetlights (PDF) will address blight by helping deter crime and encouraging pedestrian activity. The Redevelopment Agency provided funds to the City of San Diego to implement the project.

North Bay Gateway Mural to Be Unveiled – December 7, 2011
Mayor Jerry Sanders and Council Member Kevin Faulconer will officially unveil on December 7 the Gateway Mural (PDF), a public beautification project of the Redevelopment Agency. Conceived by the Urban Corps of San Diego and implemented by artist Sal Barajas, the 5,000-square-foot mural at the main gateways into Old Town, Midway, and Point Loma in the North Bay Redevelopment Project Area depicts the area's historical influences, prominent features, and attractions in an effort to remove blight while improving and promoting the positive neighborhood characteristics for the benefit of businesses, residents, and visitors.

Pathfinders Shelter Plus Care Facility Anniversary – November 10, 2011 Pathfinders of San Diego celebrates this month the one-year anniversary (PDF) of the opening of the North Park Shelter Plus Care Permanent Supportive Housing Facility. Calls for police services at this once blighted site declined from 108 the year before construction started to just four since the project opened. Local government is anticipated to save $27 million over the life of the project due to reduction in the costs to care for the chronically homeless with alcohol and mental illness problems. The Redevelopment Agency contributed $2 million to rehabilitate the North Park Inn into the facility.

"What Home Means to Me" Poster Contest Winners – October 20, 2011
Young residents living at two Redevelopment Agency affordable housing developments will represent the Southern California Region in the National Competition of NAHRO's Housing America campaign poster contest. Benji Rios and Lizette Barajas were among the winners (PDF: 10.8Mb) in their respective age categories and will be recognized by Mayor Jerry Sanders and Council Member Todd Gloria on October 25. National honorees will be selected from chapter/state-level winning entries, and their artwork will be incorporated in the design of a 2012 calendar.

Kalos (Florida Street Apartments) Breaks Ground – October 19, 2011
The Redevelopment Agency, Community HousingWorks, Council Member Todd Gloria, and private development partners held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 19 for Kalos, an 82-unit affordable housing development in the North Park Redevelopment Project Area. The project will provide homes to families earning less than 60 percent of the area median income and will include many sustainability features, such as solar power, climate-appropriate landscaping, and low-use interior water fixtures. The Redevelopment Agency is contributing $5.6 million via a residual receipts loan to the project.

City Heights Community Enhancement Program – September 30, 2011
On October 22, twelve homes along 46th Street near Home Avenue will be painted and spruced up and tons of trash will hauled away as part of the Fall 2011 FaceLift (PDF) spearheaded by Community HousingWorks. FaceLift is funded in part by the Redevelopment Agency with support from the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area Committee and Councilmember Todd Gloria. Volunteers are encouraged to participate and help in beautifying public right-of-ways and enhancing the local housing stock occupied by low- to moderate-income households.

Verbena Family Apartments Celebrates Opening – July 28, 2011
The Redevelopment Agency, Chelsea Investment Corporation, Council Member David Alvarez, and other partners celebrated the opening of the Verbena Family Apartments (PDF), San Diego's newest affordable housing development, on July 28 in the San Ysidro Redevelopment Project Area. Verbena provides 80 units (including one manager unit) for low- and very low-income families earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area median income. Rent is expected to be more than 10 percent below market rate. The Redevelopment Agency contributed $6.8 million to the project.

"What Home Means to Me" Poster Contest – July 22, 2011
As part of NAHRO's Housing America campaign, a poster contest (PDF) is held each year for children residing in affordable housing and community developments owned or administered by NAHRO member agencies. Posters reflect the national theme of What Home Means to Me. The contest is a collaborative effort of NAHRO's chapter/state, regional, and national organizations. National honorees are selected from chapter/state-level winning entries. Children living in housing developments funded by the Agency are encouraged to participate.

Crossroads Redevelopment PAC Election – June 23, 2011
The Crossroads Redevelopment Project Area Committee (PAC) will be holding its annual election on June 23, 2011. PAC members serve their community by advising the Redevelopment Agency on the adoption and implementation of redevelopment plans, programs, and projects. Interested members of the community are urged to participate as voters and as candidates.

City Heights Community Enhancement Program – June 11, 2011
Twelve homes will be painted and spruced up and tons of trash will hauled away to clean up one block in the Colina Park neighborhood of City Heights as part of the Summer 2011 FaceLift (PDF) spearheaded by Community HousingWorks. FaceLift is funded in part by the Redevelopment Agency with support from the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area Committee, Councilmember Todd Gloria, and Councilmember Marti Emerald. Volunteers are encouraged to participate and help in beautifying public right-of-ways and enhancing the local housing stock occupied by low- to moderate-income households.

San Diego Housing Federation Recognizes Agency Projects – June 9, 2011
The San Diego Housing Federation recognized the following Redevelopment Agency–funded projects with "Housing Project of the Year" awards during its 16th Annual San Diego County Affordable Housing and Community Development Recognition Awards ceremony on June 9, 2011: El Pedregal (50 Units or Less), North Park Inn (Special Needs), Parkside (More than 50 Units), and Ten Fifty B (More than 150 Units). Village Green was also a finalist in the "Rehabilitation" category.

NTC Redevelopment Wins FIABCI Award – June 2, 2011
The Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers (FIABCI or International Real Estate Federation in English) recently praised the redevelopment of NTC as Liberty Station with its 2011 Prix d'Excellence Award in the Master Plan Category. The international award recognizes Liberty Station's excellence as a mixed-used, pedestrian-oriented community.

HRB Honors North Park Theatre Marquee – May 26, 2011
The City of San Diego Historical Resources Board (PDF) recognized on May 26, 2011, the new Birch North Park Theatre Marquee with an award in the category of Architectural Reconstruction for its contribution to the preservation of the City's history and heritage. Funding to fabricate and install the marquee was made possible through a $162,918 loan from the Redevelopment Agency.

Barrio Logan Community Enhancement Program – May 21, 2011
On May 21, as part of the Green Street Community Enhancement Program (PDF), the Redevelopment Agency in partnership with the Urban Corps of San Diego County and Council District 8 will host a community cleanup and home enhancement event in the community of Barrio Logan. The event will tackle trash and debris, graffiti, and weeds, and will feature the rehabilitation of homes occupied by qualified low-income residents. Green Street is part of efforts to continue the revitalization of Barrio Logan. Volunteers are urged to participate.

Barrio Logan Redevelopment PAC Election – May 18, 2011
The Barrio Logan Redevelopment Project Area Committee (PAC) will be holding its annual election on May 18, 2011. PAC members serve their community by advising the Redevelopment Agency on the adoption and implementation of redevelopment plans, programs, and projects. Interested members of the community are urged to participate as voters and as candidates.

Redevelopment Agency Targets Graffiti – May 3, 2011
The Redevelopment Agency has a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of San Diego's Neighborhood Code Compliance Division to provide focused graffiti abatement services within the Agency's 14 Project Areas. Rapid removal of graffiti contributes to eliminating blight and discouraging graffiti activity itself. To report graffiti for removal, contact the City of San Diego online or by calling (800) 829-6884. Be sure to leave a specific address and/or location details (with cross streets), and the City of San Diego or its contractor will remove the graffiti within 48 hours.

YMCA Haas Family Gymnasium Grand Opening – April 9, 2011
On April 9, the grand opening of the Haas Family Gymnasium was celebrated. This multi-use gymnasium provides additional recreation space for students of Correia Middle School, as well as for the patrons of the Peninsula Family YMCA. The Redevelopment Agency contributed $575,000 to the project.

Verbena Family Apartments Construction Progresses – March 29, 2011
Phase 1 of the construction of the Verbena Family Apartments in the San Ysidro Redevelopment Project Area has been completed and is ready for new residents. Phase 1 consists of 12 of the total 80 units (or four of the 27 triplexes) to be built. Construction of the rest of the units/triplexes is ongoing and is anticipated to be finished by the end of summer 2011.

LV Tenant Activity Building Historical Designation – February 24, 2011
On February 24, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board (HRB) designated the property located at 6905–6921 Linda Vista Road, known historically as the Linda Vista Tenant Activity Building, as a "historical building" based on the recommendations of an HRB Staff Report (PDF), which relied on the findings of a Historical Resource Analysis Report (PDF) commissioned by the Redevelopment Agency. Designation brings with it the responsibility of maintaining the building in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Some of the benefits of designation include the availability of the Mills Act Program for reduced property tax; the use of the more flexible Historical Building Code; flexibility in the application of other regulatory requirements; and the use of the Historical Conditional Use Permit, which allows flexibility of use.

North Park Public Parking Garage Art Unveiled – January 19, 2011
The highly anticipated and long-awaited Garage Art Project (PDF) was dedicated on January 19, 2011. The goal of this project was to give a local artist the opportunity to share his or her work and at the same time enrich the community with color and design. The Redevelopment Agency contracted with local artist Blair Thornley to design and produce the 16 pieces of art that were installed on the four sides of the North Park Public Parking Garage.

Redevelopment Agency Promotes "Green" Approach – January 4, 2011
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on the Redevelopment Agency's ongoing incorporation of "green" or sustainable practices into its projects and programs that are in line with or exceed provisions of a statewide green-building code that took effect on January 1, 2011.

Calendar Year 2010

Pathfinders Shelter Plus Care Facility Opens – November 24, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency, San Diego Housing Commission, United States Department of Housing & Urban Development, and Pathfinders of San Diego celebrated on November 24, 2010, the completion of 18 residential apartments in the North Park Redevelopment Project Area for graduates of the Pathfinders Shelter Plus Care (PDF) recovery program for homeless men with alcohol and mental illness problems. The Redevelopment Agency contributed $2 million to rehabilitate the North Park Inn into the new facility.

Barrio Logan Community Enhancement Program – November 6, 2010
On November 6, as part of the Green Street Community Enhancement Program (PDF), the Redevelopment Agency in partnership with the Urban Corps of San Diego County and Council District 8 will host a community cleanup and home enhancement event in the community of Barrio Logan. The event will tackle trash and debris, graffiti, and weeds, and will feature the rehabilitation of homes occupied by qualified low-income residents. Green Street is part of efforts to continue the revitalization of Barrio Logan. Volunteers are urged to participate.

Mercado del Barrio Breaks Ground – October 27, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency, San Diego Housing Commission, Mayor Jerry Sanders, Council President Ben Hueso, and private development partners will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on October 27 for the Mercado del Barrio (PDF), a $58.3 million mixed-use, transit-oriented catalyst project in the heart of the Barrio Logan Redevelopment Project Area.

City Heights Community Enhancement Program – October 23, 2010
On October 23, Community HousingWorks will have its Fall 2010 FaceLift (PDF) in City Heights. FaceLift is funded in part by the Redevelopment Agency with support from the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area Committee and Councilmember Todd Gloria. Volunteers are encouraged to participate and help in cleaning up and beautifying neighborhoods and enhancing the local housing stock occupied by low- to moderate-income households.

North Park Theatre Gets New Marquee – October 8, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency and Lyric Opera San Diego will unveil a new Birch North Park Theatre vertical marquee (PDF) on October 8, 2010, in the North Park Redevelopment Project Area. The new marquee is part of additional rehabilitation and improvements being made to the historic landmark theatre. Funding was made possible through a $162,918 loan from the Redevelopment Agency.

Project Area Committee Elections – October 4, 2010
The Project Area Committees (PACs) for the following Project Areas will be holding their annual elections in October 2010. PAC members serve their communities by advising the Redevelopment Agency on the adoption and implementation of redevelopment plans, programs, and projects. Interested members of the community are urged to participate as voters and as candidates.

• North Bay (election on October 5, 2010)
• City Heights (election on October 11, 2010)

Village Green Apartments Grand Opening – September 30, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency, Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation, and other partners will celebrate the grand opening of Village Green Apartments (PDF) on September 30, 2010. Located in the Crossroads Redevelopment Project Area, Village Green consists of 92 rental units for families earning at or below 60% of the area median income and features many eco-friendly design elements. The Redevelopment Agency contributed nearly $5.8 million to the rehabilitation project.

North Park HELP Funding Increases – September 13, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency has increased to $500,000 the annual funding of the successful North Park Redevelopment Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP) (PDF). HELP was created to help increase, improve, and preserve the supply of housing occupied by persons and families of low and moderate income. HELP provides forgivable loans to assist residents enhance the homes that they own.

Urban Corps "Green" Campus Grand Opening – July 30, 2010
Urban Corps of San Diego County (PDF) was joined by the Redevelopment Agency and San Diego Gas & Electric for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of Urban Corps's new "green" campus (PDF) in the North Bay Redevelopment Project Area. The Redevelopment Agency provided $475,000 to help complete the environmentally sustainable campus, which includes, among other features, a Recycling Education & Community Outreach Center, a community training room, a rooftop garden, and solar energy.

San Ysidro Community Enhancement Program – July 24, 2010
Community volunteers will pull weeds, plant trees, haul away debris, and repair fences in San Ysidro on July 24, 2010, as part of the Green Street Community Enhancement Program spearheaded by Urban Corps of San Diego County. Green Street (PDF) is funded by the Redevelopment Agency and other community partners. In addition to carrying out cleanups and beautifying public right-of-ways, the event will feature the renovation of two San Ysidro homes occupied by low- and moderate-income residents to improve their energy efficiency and curbside appeal.

San Diego Housing Federation Recognizes Agency Work – June 7, 2010
The San Diego Housing Federation recognized the Redevelopment Agency with its Outstanding Government Agency (PDF) award during its 15th Annual San Diego County Affordable Housing and Community Development Recognition Awards ceremony on June 3, 2010, at the Naval Training Center Promenade. In addition, the Redevelopment Agency-funded Los Vientos Family Apartments in the Barrio Logan Redevelopment Project Area took home the Housing Project of the Year (More than 50 Units) award.

City Heights Community Enhancement Program – June 5, 2010
On June 5, Community HousingWorks will have its Summer 2010 FaceLift (PDF) in City Heights. FaceLift is funded in part by the Redevelopment Agency with support from the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area Committee and Councilmember Todd Gloria. Volunteers are encouraged to participate and help in cleaning up and beautifying neighborhoods and enhancing the local housing stock occupied by low- to moderate-income households. Organizers anticipate renovating FaceLift's 500th home since its inception.

Barrio Logan Community Enhancement Program – June 5, 2010
On June 5, as part of the Green Street Community Enhancement Program (PDF), the Redevelopment Agency in partnership with the Urban Corps of San Diego County and Council District 8 will host a community cleanup and home enhancement event in the community of Barrio Logan. The event will tackle trash and debris, graffiti, and weeds, and will feature the rehabilitation of homes occupied by qualified low-income residents. Green Street is part of efforts to continue the revitalization of Barrio Logan. Volunteers are urged to participate.

El Pedregal Family Apartments Grand Opening – May 27, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency, Global Premier Development, Inc., and Las Palmas Foundation celebrated the grand opening of El Pedregal Family Apartments (PDF) on May 27, 2010. Located in the San Ysidro Redevelopment Project Area, El Pedregal consists of two- and three-story buildings, including subterranean parking, and features 21 three-bedroom and 24 four-bedroom units for larger families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The Redevelopment Agency contributed more than $4.6 million to the project.

Barrio Logan Redevelopment PAC Election – May 19, 2010
The Barrio Logan Redevelopment Project Area Committee (PAC) will be holding its annual election on May 19, 2010. PAC members serve their community by advising the Redevelopment Agency on the adoption and implementation of redevelopment plans, programs, and projects. Interested members of the community are urged to participate as voters and as candidates.

Storefront Improvement Program Approved – May 18, 2010
On March 23, 2010, the Redevelopment Agency Board reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen commercial neighborhoods and support local businesses when it approved guidelines and funding for the Storefront Improvement Program for Redevelopment Project Areas (PDF). The program offers financial assistance to property owners and business tenants interested in enhancing their storefronts to increase foot traffic and eliminate blight.

Redevelopment Agency Receives EPA Funds – April 26, 2010
Two Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants (PDF) totaling $400,000 were awarded to the San Diego Redevelopment Agency to inventory, assess and plan efforts to clean up and redevelop brownfield sites. These funds will be used to evaluate property for contamination from petroleum and other hazardous substances.

San Ysidro Community Enhancement Program – April 24, 2010
Community volunteers pulled weeds, planted trees, hauled away debris, and cleaned sidewalks in San Ysidro as part of the Green Street Community Enhancement Program spearheaded by Urban Corps of San Diego County. Green Street (PDF) is funded by the Redevelopment Agency and other community partners. In addition to carrying out cleanups and beautifying public right-of-ways, the event featured the renovation of two San Ysidro homes occupied by low- and moderate-income residents to improve their energy efficiency and curbside appeal.

Lafayette Hotel Rehabilitation Commencement – April 15, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency and JCG Development unveiled plans (PDF) on April 15, 2010, to rehabilitate the historic Lafayette Hotel (PDF) in the North Park Redevelopment Project Area. The 131-room Colonial-style hotel with a swimming pool once hosted glamorous events and celebrities. Its rehabilitation will be funded in part with a $2.45 million forgivable loan from the Redevelopment Agency. Upon completion, the project is anticipated to result in retaining 50 jobs and increasing transit occupancy taxes for the City of San Diego.

Verbena Family Apartments Groundbreaking – April 7, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency and Chelsea Investment Corporation held a groundbreaking ceremony (PDF) for the Verbena Family Apartments (PDF) on April 7, 2010. Located in the San Ysidro Redevelopment Project Area, the new development will provide 80 units for families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The Redevelopment Agency provided the project more than $6.8 million in combined funding from the San Ysidro, City Heights, Naval Training Center, North Park, and North Bay redevelopment project areas.

Peninsula Family YMCA Expansion Groundbreaking – February 20, 2010
A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 of 3 of the expansion of the Peninsula Family YMCA was celebrated on February 20, 2010, with the recognition of key leaders, a barbeque, various children's activities, and special surprises. Featured at the ceremony was the start of construction of the Haas Family Gymnasium. Once all the phases of the $6 million project are fully completed, the facility would be renamed as the Claude & Gladys Ryan Family YMCA. The Redevelopment Agency has contributed $575,000 to the expansion project located in the North Bay Redevelopment Project Area.

North Park Redevelopment PAC Election – February 9, 2010
The North Park Redevelopment Project Area Committee (PAC) will be holding its annual election on February 9, 2010. PAC members serve their community by advising the Redevelopment Agency on the adoption and implementation of redevelopment plans, programs, and projects. Interested members of the community are urged to participate as voters and as candidates.

Village Green Apartments Rehabilitation in Progress – February 2, 2010
Work is underway (PDF) to rehabilitate Village Green Apartments in the Crossroads Redevelopment Project Area. Once completed, Village Green, which was originally built in 1966, will provide 78 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom units for 55 years to families earning between 50% and 60% of the area median income. The Redevelopment Agency's share of the project's costs is $5.8 million. Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation expects to complete the rehabilitation in fall 2010.

Barrio Logan Community Enhancement Program – January 9, 2010
On January 9, as part of the Green Street Community Enhancement Program, the Redevelopment Agency in partnership with the Urban Corps of San Diego County and Council District 8 hosted a community cleanup and home enhancement event in the community of Barrio Logan. With the help of approximately 200 volunteers, 80 trees were planted, six dumpsters full of debris and trash were removed, weeds were pulled, graffiti was eradicated, and two homes received facelifts. The event contributed to the ongoing revitalization efforts in Barrio Logan.

City Heights Square, Phase 3 Groundbreaking – January 8, 2010
The Redevelopment Agency and Price Charities celebrated the groundbreaking (PDF: 1M) of Phase 3 of the City Heights Square project at Fairmount Avenue and 43rd Street in the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area. The $44 million project consists of affordable and market-rate apartment units, retail and office space, and parking.

Calendar Year 2009

Euclid Tower Restoration Recognized – November 12, 2009
The San Diego Architectural Foundation recognized the Euclid Tower Restoration Project with an "Orchid" in the Historic Preservation Category during its 2009 Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony on November 12, 2009. The Euclid Tower is one of the most visible structures within the community of City Heights, and the Redevelopment Agency recently completed its restoration. The "Orchid" award follows at the heels of the "Honor" award bestowed by the American Public Works Association, San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter, on the tower during its Awards Celebration Luncheon on September 10, 2009.

San Ysidro Streetlights Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – October 29, 2009
On October 29, 2009, the Redevelopment Agency, Council President Ben Hueso, and the San Ysidro Business Association celebrated the installation of 21 decorative streetlights in the San Ysidro Redevelopment Project Area with a "Rolling Block Party". The celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony (PDF), mariachi music, and light refreshments. The $580,000 project enhances the business and pedestrian environment along San Ysidro Boulevard.

San Ysidro Community Enhancement Program – October 24, 2009
Community volunteers will paint out graffiti, pull weeds, repair fences, plant trees, and haul away debris in San Ysidro as part of the Green Street Community Enhancement Program spearheaded by Urban Corps of San Diego County. Green Street (PDF) is funded by the Redevelopment Agency and other community partners. In addition to cleaning up and beautifying public right-of-ways, Green Street will feature the renovation of up to two San Ysidro homes occupied by low- and moderate-income residents on October 24 to improve their energy efficiency and curbside appeal. Another 23 homes will be renovated at a later time.

City Heights Community Enhancement Program – October 24, 2009
Ten to twelve homes will be painted and spruced up and tons of trash will hauled away to clean up one block in the Azalea Park neighborhood of City Heights as part of the Fall 2009 FaceLift (PDF) spearheaded by Community HousingWorks. FaceLift is funded in part by the Redevelopment Agency with support from the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area Committee and Councilmember Todd Gloria. Volunteers are encouraged to participate and help in beautifying public right-of-ways and enhancing the local housing stock occupied by low- to moderate-income households.

Los Vientos Family Apartments Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – October 7, 2009
The ribbon cutting ceremony (PDF) for the Los Vientos Family Apartments (PDF) projects was held on October 7, 2009. Los Vientos provides new affordable housing opportunities in Barrio Logan. With a total of 89 units in two buildings, Los Vientos is available to families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The two-building complex features 4 four-bedroom units, 35 three-bedroom units, and 50 two-bedroom units.

Project Area Committee Elections – September 28, 2009
The Project Area Committees (PACs) for the following Project Areas will be holding their annual elections in October 2009. PAC members serve their communities by advising the Redevelopment Agency on the adoption and implementation of redevelopment plans, programs, and projects. Interested members of the community are urged to participate as voters and as candidates.

• College Community (election on October 6, 2009)
• City Heights (election on October 12, 2009)
• North Bay (election on October 21, 2009)

City Heights Bus Stop Shelters and Benches Installation – September 25, 2009
Installation of twenty new bus stop shelters and benches was recently completed in the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area to provide weather protection and convenience for transit riders, including residents, visitors, and merchants. The Redevelopment Agency contributed funds to the project, and the City Heights Business Association coordinated the procurement and installation. The shelters and benches enhance the area's transit-friendliness, encourage greater transit use, and improve the look and feel of the community. The ribbon cutting ceremony (PDF) was held on September 25, 2009.

Veterans Village of San Diego, Phase 2 Open House – September 16, 2009
The Veterans Village of San Diego (PDF) held an open house (PDF)for Phase 2 of the rehabilitation center and unveiled the Dining Facility Mural on September 16, 2009. Once completed, the center will provide a place for up to 320 homeless veterans to live and seek treatment, support, employment training, and counseling. The Redevelopment Agency has contributed funds to the development and construction of the project.

Housing Enhancement Loan Program – September 8, 2009
The Redevelopment Agency's Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP) was created to help increase, improve, and preserve the supply of housing occupied by persons and families of low and moderate income. HELP provides forgivable loans to assist residents enhance the homes that they own. The San Ysidro Redevelopment HELP program recently completed its first project. Residents in the Grantville, Najavo, and Tierrasanta areas now also have access to HELP.

La Entrada Family Apartments Grand Opening – July 30, 2009
The three-story La Entrada Family Apartments (PDF) project is a new, 85-unit, privately gated, affordable apartment community consisting of 13 two-bedroom units, 60 three-bedroom units, and 12 four-bedroom units of rental family housing. The units are restricted for 55 years at levels affordable to very low- and low-income families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The grand opening (PDF) was held on July 30, 2009.

Pathfinders Residential Apartments in Progress – July 30, 2009
Work is underway to transform a deteriorating North Park motel into 17 residential apartments for graduates of the Pathfinders Shelter Plus Care recovery program for homeless men with alcohol and mental illness problems. The $4.05 million project is a joint partnership venture between the San Diego Housing Commission and the Redevelopment Agency. Pathfinders of San Diego expects the residential project to be completed in April 2010.

Gateway Family Apartments Recognized – June 11, 2009
Gateway Family Apartments, a 42-unit affordable housing development in the Barrio Logan Redevelopment Project Area, was recognized twice by the San Diego Housing Federation during its 14th Annual San Diego County Affordable Housing and Community Development Recognition Awards on June 11, 2009. The project took home the Housing Project of the Year (Fewer than 50 Units) Award and the SDG&E Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Award. Gateway units are set aside for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The Redevelopment Agency was instrumental in making Gateway possible, acquiring the site and providing $3.6 million in financing. The project held its grand opening in June 2008.

Camino de la Plaza Streetscape Improvements Dedication – June 5, 2009
On June 5, 2009, the Redevelopment Agency, Council President Ben Hueso, and the San Ysidro Business Association celebrated the completion of the Camino de la Plaza Streetscape Improvement Project (PDF) in the San Ysidro Redevelopment Project Area. The $600,000 project included the construction of sidewalks and curbs, the creation of a public plaza at the corner of East San Ysidro Boulevard and Camino de la Plaza, and the installation of landscaping, fencing, and street furniture. The celebration of the project's completion also included the dedication of a memorial plaque recognizing the centennial year of the San Ysidro community.

SANDAG TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program Grants – May 22, 2009
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors approved on May 22, 2009, the list of projects to be funded under the first cycle of the TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program, which included the Mid-City State Route 15 Bus Rapid Transit Station Area Planning Study in the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area and the Chollas Triangle Master Plan in the Crossroads Redevelopment Project Area. The Redevelopment Agency partnered with the City of San Diego to submit the successful applications and will provide matching funds for the two planning projects. The next step is to establish grant agreements between the Agency/City and SANDAG.

The Chollas Triangle Master Plan will provide specific land use and mobility recommendations and guidance to encourage the development of a mixed-use transit-oriented village supported by park, open space, and creek enhancements within the approximately 36-acre Chollas Triangle site at 54th Street, Chollas Parkway, and University Avenue.

The Mid-City State Route 15 Bus Rapid Transit Station Area Planning Study will gather and analyze data and develop strategies, designs, and plans to envision and support the implementation of multi-modal transit stations, with an emphasis on bus rapid transit, along University and El Cajon avenues.

Boulevard Apartments Grand Opening – April 22, 2009
The Boulevard Apartments is an affordable housing development of Father Joe's Villages made possible with assistance from the Redevelopment Agency. The 4-story, 24-apartment structure provides housing for very low-income families, earning 30% to 40% of the area median income. Certain units are set aside for families that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and have at least one adult either living with mental illness or HIV/AIDS or recovering from chronic substance abuse. The grand opening was held on April 22, 2009 .

Euclid Tower – April 20, 2009
The Euclid Tower is one of the most visible structures within the community of City Heights. The Redevelopment Agency recently completed its restoration.

Urban Corps of San Diego County Recycling Education and Community Outreach Center Groundbreaking – February 20, 2009
The groundbreaking ceremony (PDF) for the Urban Corps of San Diego County Recycling Education and Community Outreach Center was celebrated on February 20, 2009. The project, which will be LEED certified, is envisioned as a multipurpose resource center in the North Bay Redevelopment Project Area for educating, training, and demonstrating how recycling and conservation preserve natural resources, reduce pollution, reduce waste-hauling costs/expenses, and employ at-risk youth. The Redevelopment Agency contributed funds to the project.

Calendar Years 2008 and Before

Renaissance at North Park National Award – April 17, 2008
On April 17, 2008, the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) recognized Renaissance at North Park (PDF) as a "model for affordable housing and redevelopment excellence" during its Spring 2008 Educational Conference in Los Angeles. Located in the North Park Redevelopment Project Area, Renaissance features 108 affordable units and 24 market-rate townhomes and pays tribute to North Park's early years by incorporating Art Deco, Craftsman, and Spanish bungalow design styles. The Redevelopment Agency contributed funds to the $32 million project.

Redevelopment Best Management Practices – October 30, 2007
The Redevelopment Agency has been considering alternative proposals for its administrative structure. As part of this analysis, the Agency completed a study of best management practices for the City's Redevelopment Department and its management of eleven Project Areas.

The consultant team of Clarion Associates and Waronzof Associates conducted extensive interviews and document review to study specific projects and the structure and operation of the Department (previously a Division of the City Planning & Community Investment Department) and Agency as a whole. The report explains their findings; compares the Agency's structure, policies, and practices with other public agencies throughout the United States; and provides numerous recommendations for best management practices. The Agency and Redevelopment Department have already begun implementing many of the report's recommendations.

• Best Management Practices Study Letter to Redevelopment Agency (PDF)
• Redevelopment Agency Best Management Practices Study (PDF)
• Final November 2006 Restructuring Options Report (PDF)

Other Agency News

For other news on the activities of the City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency, visit the following sites associated with the three "divisions" of the Redevelopment Agency. For general information about the Redevelopment Agency, call (619) 236-6700.

• Redevelopment Department – a City department that provides the overall administrative management for the entire Redevelopment Agency and manages 11 Project Areas throughout the City
• Centre City Development Corporation – a City corporation that manages two Project Areas in the Downtown San Diego area
• Southeastern Economic Development Corporation – a City corporation that manages one Project Area in fifteen neighborhoods in the southeastern portion of the City