Rallies for, against high-density housing face off in San Diego
San Diego’s traditionally quiet neighborhoods became the battleground for opposing rallies as supporters and opponents of Senate Bill 10 clashed over the issue of high-density housing.
The bill, which was passed in 2021, has ignited a heated debate between long-time residents and those advocating for more housing options in the city.
Protests have previously erupted over the potential introduction of high-rise buildings in certain San Diego neighborhoods.
However, tensions escalated as both sides took to the streets in face-to-face demonstrations.
10 News reporter Natalie Chuck and photojournalist Drew Miller ventured out to speak with individuals representing each side of the contentious matter.
Opponents of high-density housing gathered in droves, circulating posters and petitions to voice their concerns about the prospect of towering structures invading their traditionally peaceful family neighborhoods.
“It’s just such a shame that they’re trying to change this,” lamented one resident.
“I feel like Kent Lee, our city council person, is not representing what the members of this community want since it passed in 2021.”
Senate Bill 10 has long been a point of contention.
The bill grants local communities the option to opt into a voluntary streamlined process for zoning multi-unit housing, as established by the Governor’s office.
However, residents like Jen Dunaway, who has resided in University City for eight years, worry about the implications of new developments on their families.
“My kids go to local schools.
I wouldn’t want them bussed out of the neighborhood,” Dunaway expressed.
The protest in University City was not the only one that took place in San Diego.
Similar concerns echoed in neighborhoods such as Mission Hills and Hillcrest.
Another group emphasized the financial burden they would have to bear, stating, “Whatever’s happening in Sacramento should not be passed down to the local level without a lot of process before it even initiated.”
Contrary to the opposition, there are individuals who welcome additional housing options.
They argue that San Diego’s increasing population demands an expansion of available housing.
“San Diego can get increasingly dense, and adding density in the city of San Diego would definitely help folks like myself who are looking to rent,” said a proponent.
They acknowledged that it might mean having to park farther from their house but emphasized the need to address the homelessness crisis: “There are people sleeping on our streets because we’ve not provided enough housing.”
Disagreements persist on whether high-density housing would result in affordability or simply create luxury apartments that perpetuate a culture of long-term tenancy rather than homeownership.
Regardless of which side one stands on, it is clear that any real impact from Senate Bill 10 will take years to manifest.
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