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S.D. Council Postpones Housing Density Vote

San Diegans descended on City Hall today to protest a proposal they said would threaten the 30-foot height limit on new buildings along the coast. The city council agreed to postpone a vote until the

S.D. Council Postpones Housing Density Vote

San Diegans descended on City Hall today to protest a proposal they said would threaten the 30-foot height limit on new buildings along the coast. The city council agreed to postpone a vote until the proposal is thoroughly vetted. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more. 

The mayor’s office presents the idea as a way to offer developers incentives to build more affordable housing, and comply with state law. But critics say the plan would open a loophole for developers to build taller buildings west of Interstate-5 . Under Proposition D, passed by voters in 1972, buildings along the coast between downtown and La Jolla cannot be over 30 feet.

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John McNab of San Diego Coastkeepers says the so-called “affordable housing density bonus” is less about affordable housing, and more about getting around the height limits.

McNab: Something as severe as this that it never got out and had public hearings for the public to really see what this was all about -- it’s reprehensible – it’s something that no citizen should stand for. 

The council agreed to postpone a vote and hold a public hearing on the matter on March 27th. Alison St John, KPBS News.