UPDATE: The San Diego Unified School District has just announced plans to build over 2,388 housing units for staff across multiple school sites. This ambitious initiative, approved during two crucial meetings this week, aims to tackle the ongoing housing crisis and provide affordable living options for educators by 2030.
The Board of Trustees authorized negotiations for four key sites, with a focus on subsidizing housing for 10% of its workforce. The initiative comes as school districts throughout California seek solutions to a pressing housing shortage impacting staff retention and recruitment.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT: With the approval of these plans, the district is poised to offer much-needed relief to educators struggling with housing costs in a high-demand market. Board President Richard Barrera emphasized the significance of this project, stating it is critical for addressing both the recruitment of quality educators and the declining enrollment of students. “Our dual big challenges are recruiting and retaining quality educators and declining enrollment of students,” he noted.
The four approved sites are as follows:
– **Eugene Brucker Education Center**, University Heights: A plan from Protea + Malick will deliver 1,500 subsidized workforce units targeting individuals earning $57,900 to $109,800 annually.
– **2101 Commercial Street**, Logan Heights: Mirka Investment’s plan includes 174 subsidized units for individuals earning between $34,750 and $92,700.
– **Fremont/Ballard Center**, Old Town: Monarch/Eden’s proposal offers 420 workforce units from 30% of median income to market rate.
– **Revere Center**, Linda Vista: Community Housing Works will provide 294 affordable units ranging from 30% to 120% of median income.
During the meetings, the board faced significant public input, with over 50 commenters expressing various concerns and support for the different proposals. Some community members, like Marc Johnson from the University Heights Community Association, raised alarms about the potential impact on the neighborhood, stating the project could be overwhelming. In contrast, others, including Wesley Morgan from the YIMBY Democrats of San Diego, urged for maximum height limits to allow for green spaces.
KEY TAKEAWAY: The district is committed to creating family-friendly housing options, with board members advocating for multi-bedroom units to accommodate families, thereby supporting student enrollment. Kyle Weinberg, president of the San Diego Educators Association, underscored the necessity for mixed-income housing to foster diversity among residents.
As discussions continue, the board is also considering incorporating childcare facilities and ensuring that the new developments do not resemble military housing in aesthetics. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne expressed the need for a more inviting and community-oriented design.
The urgency of this project is underscored by the district’s previous approvals, including a plan for 327 rent-restricted units at Central Elementary in City Heights, where 270 units are specifically designated for district staff. This follows earlier initiatives at the Livia at Scripps Ranch, which has 264 units, with priority given to district families.
WHAT’S NEXT: With negotiations underway, the district is poised to finalize agreements with developers soon. Barrera stated, “The projects are going to be better, and the public has had much more of a chance to see what’s being proposed and weigh in.” As the housing crisis continues, the outcomes of these developments could set a precedent for similar initiatives across California, making this a critical moment for educators and their families.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.