Neighborhood Hit List
This is a “top ten” style list of all the persistent challenges in the neighborhood. We’ll be updating the list as new things come to light or as things get resolved. We try to describe the issue, identify who’s responsible, and what would be needed to address the issue.
Little Spot Urban Space
What’s the issue? There is a small triangle of land owned by CalTrans (the folks who manage the freeways) and it is quite commonly an unsightly mess. Often homeless people turn it into a camp. The
HBA has submitted proposals to renovate the space and have it become an urban gathering spot. The HBA needs a lease for the site (like exists in Little Italy and in other parts of Hillcrest). The Uptown Community Parking District has offered funds to make this happen. CalTrans and the City of San Diego are stalling the development of the space. CalTrans is saying they can’t move forward without the City assigning a “Responsible Department” but the City’s Mobility Department and Economic Development Department are each trying to dodge getting involved and the project has been stalled for over a year.
Who’s responsible? CalTrans owns the property and could move forward with the process but are waiting for the City. The City is waiting for itself, apparently.
What’s the solution? CalTrans should move forward with it’s process to authorize a lease for the land to the HBA so that the community can develop the space. If the City can’t get itself organized, CalTrans should move forward with the lease directly with the HBA.
Dumping North Mural Alley
What’s the issue? The alleyway between 4th and 5th north of University Ave. is a disgusting mess with overflowing and tagged dumpsters. The HBA continues to clean the alley (even though it’s not responsible to do so), it returns to its horrible condition within days.
Who’s responsible? The property owner is primarily responsible for the condition of the land (they own it). Business owners who use the dumpsters and the dumpster companies (who are responsible for the condition of the dumpsters) are also responsible. The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and San Diego Code Enforcement are responsible for enforcement.
What’s the solution? The property owner and their tenants should clean the alleyway on a regular basis. They should add locks to the dumpsters, and have the dumpster companies clean the tags off the dumpsters.
Failed Street Lights all over Hillcrest. UPDATE: Fixed by City Crews!
Issue Resolved! Great news. The Mayor prioritized repair of these street lights in his State of the City Address in 2023 and over the last six months City crews were out repairing the lights.
What’s the issue? Pedestrian lights all over the neighborhood (and the City) have really old wiring and, like old Christmas tree light strings, when one part of the system fails, it all fails. The lights have been out for a long time and a complete repair would take significant resources.
Who’s responsible? The City of San Diego is responsible for the city lights.
Broken Curb at 6th and University Ave. UPDATE: Fixed by City Crews!
Issue Resolved! Great news. City crews were out repairing the damage on the weekend of 8/26/23 and added traffic control bollards so the issue won’t be repeated!
What’s the issue? The NE curb at 6th and University (that includes a storm drain) was broken some years ago when a large truck clipped the curb and crushed the sidewalk.
Who’s responsible? The City of San Diego is responsible for the storm drain system and for the repair.