Capacity for 17,000 housing units approved in Hillcrest

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Capacity for 17,000 housing units is being created in Hillcrest after the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to approve more housing in the neighborhood Tuesday.

It’s called Plan Hillcrest and it’s part of the larger uptown community plan. Part of the effort is to encourage the use of public transportation by putting new housing in areas where it’s possible for people to walk, bike and use public transportation to get around the city. But some people FOX 5/KUSI talked to think it might not play out that way.

“I can’t see how it’s going to be good,” said a Hillcrest resident.

“More housing is good, but it’s going to lead to less parking. Crime in this area is already really bad,” said Shannon McCool who works in Hillcrest.

“It just seems to be happening so quickly. It’s upsetting,” said a Hillcrest resident.

Not everyone is upset by the population boom. Some are cautiously optimistic.

“Mildly positive because there’s such a housing shortage here,” said Bankers Hill Resident Dean Vestre.

In addition to the new housing that would increase the population in the area from about 40,000 people to more than 100,000. Plan Hillcrest will also establish an entertainment and LGBTQ+ cultural district in hopes of re-energizing nightlife and small businesses.

“It establishes, as you heard, the first of its kind, LGBTQ+ cultural district that spans from Normal Street along University Avenue and down Fifth Avenue,” Vestre said.

This aspect of the plan will help to preserve the cultural identity of this unique neighborhood.

“We look on with horror that still today our young people are still afraid to go out at night because of intimidation and attacks...this is why the creation of this plan is so important,” said Susan Jester, Chair, LGBTQ+ Cultural District Advisory Group.

On Wednesday, Mayor Todd Gloria signed the amended plan into law.

“Hillcrest must remain a safe place. It must remain a tolerant and welcoming place,” Jester said.

The uptown community plan also includes amendments for University City that were voted on and approved by City Council Tuesday evening – this updated plan would also double the population in that area.