Because Governor Brown has proposed the disbanding of all redevelopment agencies as a means of balancing the budget, the Center City Development (CCDC) as well as most redevelopment agencies has had to reevaluate their pending projects and priorities for Downtown San Diego.
Since CCDC will have about $12 billion as a result of property taxes from private development over the past 30 years, they have reevaluated their wish list. Included in the wish list is the replacement of four firehouses and 14 parks but not addressed was an expansion of the San Diego Convention Center in the Marina District or a new Charger stadium in the East Village/Ballpark District. CCDC also moved to protect $30 million in funds earmarked for The North Embarcadero Visionary Plan to beautify the Downtown waterfront in the Columbia District.
In addition the CCDC Board reviewed a proposal from a Mexican developer to build a 13 story 300 room hotel opposite the Santa Fe Depot on Kettner Blvd between B and C streets. The land has been owned by the San Diego City for many years.
Another interesting proposal was the creation of an entertainment zone North of Broadway to be funded by the erection of high tech billboards. Apparently this has worked well in Denver and does not involve public money. It does involve some longstanding zoning laws.
To read more about this click on www.ccdc.com. ')}