Notes from the September Design Committee Meeting

(takes place the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m.)

General & Maintenance Issues
The UCSD Livewell Community Market Program is partnering with local businesses to do storefront and interior improvements. This program is funded by the county. Learn more at ucsdcommunityhealth.org Look for placemaking projects Summer and Fall 2018. The first business will be the African Caribbean Food Market at 4811 ECB.

If you know of a location that needs sidewalks power-washed, Glenn Torio (GTorio@sandiego.gov), City of San Diego staff who oversees this MAD’s maintenance, can help take care of this.

Notes from the September Economic Development Committee Meeting

(takes place the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m.)

Incubation Project PopUp15
$15,000 of funding has been secured from Ron Roberts’ office. Since this activation project is temporary, it is still to be determined what the money should be used for. Ideas include fencing for a beer garden, more landscaping and plants from EatSD, and a grid system and shade structure. They are currently sorting out rental options for this space. Community events have already taken place on the lot.

This lot will eventually be developed. There is also a vacant lot on the west side of the 15. The BIA is working with the two council office districts these lots are within to develop an RFP process that would perhaps include both lots. A survey has been distributed to area stakeholders via Council Office email lists, Nextdoor, and public meetings (such as the KTPG and NHPG). There were more than 100 responses, 66% of those local residents. The survey results will now be presented to the Council representatives and from there the RFP will be created.

Incubation Project Fair@44

Some of the $15,000 in funding will be used at this location. A dance floor and shade sails have already been purchased. A sign, beer garden fencing, and a large screen and projector for watching soccer games are ideas.

Fair@44 is now open daily (except Sundays) with The Dojo Project, a coffee shop! They are also open every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 4-9 p.m. for Salsa Sabado. There is currently 1 food vendor operating Wednesday evenings from 4-7 p.m. The CDC will be setting up more events soon, likely on Fridays.

See their Instagram account for weekly vendor spotlights and schedule.

In terms of long term development, this lot is set to be developed some time in the next few years (see more on the Quigley Project). A component of the future development is the “Civic Moment” as proposed by architect Rob Quigley. The BIA is pushing for this space to be developed into something similar to what New Orleans piloted with The Refresh Project, a mini Whole Foods store with a community garden, commercial kitchens, and space for non-profit offices. The BIA is partnering with USD and Councilmember Gomez’ office to bring this project to Price Charities for consideration.

Economic Development Tour 2.0
Will take place Wednesday, October 18. This will be a bus tour for property developers to see available properties on the Boulevard. The first tour was 3 years ago, and since then much development has taken place with projects that were started then being open now. The tour will show how momentum is moving east and both Councilmembers, Civic San Diego, and ULI will be involved. An after-party, open to all, will take place after the tour at 6 p.m. at the Lafayette Hotel.