The San Diego City Council today gave its unanimous blessing to a nearly 23-acre residential project on undeveloped property along Mission Gorge Road across from the Allied Gardens neighborhood.
The "River Bend'' project will include 996 multi-family units, retail space and a community park fronting the San Diego River. That stretch of the waterway in eastern Mission Valley is currently undeveloped, and the public will be given access when the park is completed.
The property, also bordered by the Admiral Baker Golf Course, is currently used for mixing by an adjacent concrete company and storing vehicles for nearby automobile dealers.
"I do believe that River Bend is a real improvement to this area,'' said Councilwoman Marti Emerald, who represents the area until redistricting takes effect in December. She said she likes that blighted land will be eliminated and the river in the area will be opened up to the public.
Emerald promised to work with her replacement in the district, Councilman-elect Scott Sherman, to monitor any traffic buildup in the area.
That was one of the concerns expressed by a handful of nearby residents who came to oppose the project. They were also against the height of the buildings -- a maximum of 75 feet, the density and additional water usage by future residents.
The developers, who aren't expected to begin construction until about a year from now, contend they need the height and density because about half the property is devoted to public space.
