The U.S. Justice Department is asking questions about a developer's $100,000 donation to the city of San Diego that was linked to a Kearny Mesa apartment project, it was reported yesterday.
The donation was revealed after the mayor's office made an about-face on City Council action to waive setback requirements for apartment buildings and a two-acre park being built by Sunroad Enterprises in the Centrum development.
Mayor Bob Filner vetoed the waiver, but his office later encouraged council members to vote for an override — which they did unanimously.
During discussion on the item, Councilman Scott Sherman mentioned the donation and said it didn't pass the smell test.
Last week, Filner told reporters that the donation had been refunded to Sunroad. He said he thought the donation was voluntary, but gave the money back when he learned of a memo that said the gift was in exchange for public land.
The pending investigation was reported by 10News, which cited federal sources speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Filner's office did not immediately comment on the report.
