Notes from the July Design Committee Meeting
(takes place the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m.)
Pipeline Presentation
They city will be replacing the “last piece of the puzzle” of the water main pipeline. During the next couple years repairs will take place on this oldest remaining pipeline from the 1920’s. Locations that will be effected are from Highland Avenue west to Howard – all south of the Boulevard.
PopUp15
Eat San Diego will be installing planters and soil and plants on 7/22. Are gardening event is set to take place on 7/29. Email kellycolt@me.com for more details and watch the calendar for event information.
General
Storefront improvements spearheaded by the BIA and Goodbody Mortuary (at 51st) are beginning to take shape. Tall hedges which currently mask nefarious activities are being cut down and replaced with low succulents. The utility boxes which were previously shielded by the hedges will be painted with murals.
Notes from the July Economic Development Committee Meeting
(takes place the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m.)
Incubation Project PopUp15
$7,000 of funding obtained is set to be utilized in 2017.
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 will be distributed to area stakeholders via Council Office email lists, Nextdoor, and public meetings (such as the KTPG). Look for the survey this month.
Incubation Project Fair@44
Fair@44 is now open every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 4-9 p.m. in addition to their summer schedule from 4-8 p.m. every Wednesday. Salsa Sabado, which takes place on Saturdays, hsa been successful the first couple weeks and they may be interested in long-term involvement if a dance floor can be installed.
The Dojo Project, which will open in July, may bring the market up to daily operation. 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 to bring this project to Price Charities for consideration.
Little Saigon District
Grant funding ($200k) has been secured thanks to the BIA, and with support from District 9 Council Member Georgette Gomez, we expect to see some positive changes in this district soon. The city is also in talks about an overlay zone for this district which would bring needed improvements and development to the area. The BIA is pushing them to consider extending the overlay zone all the way to I-15, rather than only Little Saigon District which runs from Highland east to Euclid.
Economic Development Tour 2.0
Will take place October 2017
Business Recruitment & Retention
The BIA, in partnership with Civic San Diego and Americorp, are working with area businesses to help them obtain non-traditional business loans. El Borrego will be the first business to be funded through their access to capital program. They have secured a $50k loan (LISC + Kiva) and will be expanding the back of their business to incorporate a large patio and beer garden. Mark your calendars for the morning of 7/26 to celebrate at El Borrego on this milestone and learn more about their development plans.