A Street Development: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
The A Street Project is a proposed 8-story, 180-unit apartment complex slated for development in the heart of South Park/Golden Hill — one of San Diego’s most historic and community-centered neighborhoods.
While we support the need for housing, this project was introduced with minimal community input and bypasses established planning norms. Its scale and scope raise serious concerns about livability, infrastructure, and transparency.
Negative Impacts of the A Street Development
Community Process & Planning Violations
Lack of community engagement: Neighbors were not consulted early or meaningfully.
Zoning and loopholes: The developer is using “Complete Communities” incentives to exceed height and density limits, while offering little benefit to affordability — only 4% of the units (8 out of 180) are designated as affordable housing.
It also bypasses the Greater Golden Hill Community Plan, which outlines smart development—3 stories in keeping with the historic character of the neighborhood.
Mismatch with Neighborhood Character
Oversized design: The 8-story structure is incompatible with the surrounding 3–4 story architecture and community scale.
Displacement: The project threatens to displace working families by raising rents, reducing affordability, and accelerating gentrification.
Health & Safety Risks
This project is being fast-tracked under Mayor Gloria’s Complete Communities Executive Order, which allows expedited approval if a project “maintains protections for public health and safety and complies with applicable regulations.”
The A Street Development does the opposite — it introduces serious new risks to our neighborhood:
Overlooks a local elementary school: The project would tower over a nearby school playground, raising serious concerns around safety, privacy, and student well-being.
Flight path safety: Its proximity to the flight path raises risks, especially during low-visibility months like May and June.
High fire risk: The site borders Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, worsening evacuation challenges in a dense area with narrow roads.
Traffic and parking stress: Increased density will exacerbate traffic congestion and strain limited street parking.
Risks to walkability and street safety: Heavier traffic flow undermines pedestrian safety, especially for children and seniors.
Strain on aging infrastructure: The added population will put additional pressure on already overburdened utilities and emergency access routes.
Limited Affordability
Not truly affordable: Fewer than 8% of units meet affordability standards — offering little relief to those most in need.
Community Response
Residents are organizing to pause this development until it can be fully understood and properly evaluated. We’re calling on elected officials and city planners to prioritize meaningful input, equity, and sustainability.
How You Can Take Action
Sign the Petition: Stop the 8-Story A Street Project — Protect Greater Golden Hill’s Character and Livability
Email Your Reps: Make your voice heard by emailing your reps today
Join the Movement: Come to a meeting–this Monday, June 23 @ 6pm at the Park on 28th, spread the word, or volunteer with us
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