A rally held Saturday morning in Middletown saw local homeowner Scott Case leading a charge against the proposed construction of a towering 14-story, 161-unit apartment building on his block.
Case expressed concern that the high-rise would not only overshadow the neighborhood but also disrupt its character.
“This high rise does not fit into the community,” he stated emphatically, addressing a crowd that echoed his sentiments with chants of “responsible growth, not corporate greed,” as they marched around the area.
The proposed development, spearheaded by ELDA Developments, has generated significant backlash from residents.
While the developer initially pulled their plans, an updated proposal has yet to be shared.
The project is slated for two parcels of land located in the 3600 block of Columbia Street, currently housing a single-family home and a two-story apartment building with three affordable units, according to Case’s statement.
The discussion surrounding this development also touched upon the broader issue of affordable housing in the region.
Case, who identified himself as a retiree in his 60s, acknowledged that affordable housing impacts everyone in the community.
However, he criticized the requirement for only six affordable units to be included in the new building, citing San Diego’s Complete Communities initiative as the basis for this provision.
The block where the development is proposed is already zoned for multi-unit housing, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
During his 15-minute speech, Case highlighted concerns regarding parking availability, mentioning that the new development would only offer 70 parking spots amidst an already strained parking situation for residents and nearby businesses.
He emphasized that the development should not proceed based on its merits alone, citing that nearly 80% of the proposed units are studios and one-bedroom apartments not conducive to family living.
“An investment brochure from the developer projects rents starting at around $3,000, likely for a studio, and peaking at $10,000 for a penthouse unit,” he added, raising alarms about housing affordability.
Case also expressed frustration that councilmember Stephen Whitburn, representing Middletown, has not been available to discuss the proposal despite the community’s outcry.
The rally also featured voices from other concerned residents, including Erik Becerra from Encanto, who attended with his children.
Becerra countered claims of being labeled as NIMBY—short for “not in my backyard”—by stating, “We’re not NIMBYs. We want responsible growth.”
In stark contrast to the crowd’s opposition, Wesley Morgan, a lone counter-protester from Mission Hills, brought a different perspective to the rally.
The 49-year-old financial consultant shared his own journey, having moved from a suburb in greater Los Angeles to Middletown to experience the neighborhood’s charm and history.
Morgan pointed out that although the anti-development protesters had a more prominent presence, they might not represent the prevailing opinion in the community.
“San Diego cannot be a sustainable community without allowing people of all incomes and all diversities to be able to live here at the price they can afford,” Morgan insisted.
He argued that new developments like the one proposed have the potential to motivate landowners in Middletown to maximize the use of their properties, suggesting that single-family homes may eventually be replaced by multifamily units in response to market demand.
Morgan concluded with a stark observation about the challenges facing residents: “I don’t think they’re protecting their financial interests. I think they’re protecting a way of life.”
image source from：timesofsandiego
