The San Diego City Council voted Tuesday to designate the Convoy District in Kearny Mesa as a pan-Asian cultural and business district.
Councilmember Chris Cate, who represents the area, said the change will help promote the community's economic and cultural growth and development.
"This designation will allow the Convoy District to further brand itself as a cultural and business district, which will help support the efforts on the part of many organizations and businesses to transform the Convoy area into a vibrant cultural center, dining destination and innovative economic hub," Cate said at a press conference Tuesday.
Later this year, the Council is expected to vote on an update to the Kearny Mesa Community Plan, which envisions a big increase in population. City planners say the updated zoning would allow for the construction of more than 25,800 homes — nearly six times the neighborhood’s current number.
The city hopes those additional residents, coupled with more pedestrian, bike and transit-oriented infrastructure, can provide a boost to the area’s businesses.
Lauren Garces, special events director for the nonprofit Convoy District Partnership, said the neighborhood's business owners and entrepreneurs have already attracted outdoor murals, special events and startup companies.
"And in the future, we want to see it blossom and thrive into an economic and residential hub that all of San Diego can be proud of," Garces said.
