Clairemont’s Future: A Bold Blueprint for Growth Approved
Clairemont’s ambitious new growth plan, envisioning nearly 20,000 new homes, 14 new parks, and a potential new trolley station over the next three decades, has cleared a major hurdle. The City Council’s Land Use and Housing Committee unanimously approved the blueprint on Friday, setting the stage for significant transformation in San Diego’s oldest and largest suburban neighborhood.
A Vision for a Denser, More Connected Clairemont
The recently approved blueprint aims to boost Clairemont’s population from its current 80,000 residents to approximately 119,000. This comprehensive update, the first since 1989, seeks to address San Diego’s pressing housing crisis while enhancing community amenities and infrastructure.
Key Transformations on the Horizon
The plan introduces several major changes designed to revitalize Clairemont:
- Housing Expansion: Nearly 20,000 new homes are proposed, with a significant portion being rent-restricted for low-income residents, particularly along the new trolley line. This housing will be concentrated in existing commercial areas, transforming sprawling shopping plazas into mixed-use villages with mid-rise housing above shops.
- Height Limit Adjustments: The neighborhood’s long-standing 30-foot building height limit will be lifted in many areas, allowing for buildings ranging from 40 to 65 feet, especially in commercial zones and along transit corridors.
- Enhanced Transit and Mobility: The blueprint includes plans for a new trolley station at Jutland Drive and Morena Boulevard. Vehicle lanes on Morena Boulevard and Genesee Avenue will be repurposed for bicycle-only and bus-only lanes. Ambitious long-term goals also mention aerial tramways over Interstate 5 to connect Clairemont to coastal areas.
- Parks and Recreation: Residents can look forward to 14 new parks, 22 upgraded parks, and three new recreation centers, including one at South Clairemont Community Park. The plan also proposes a “missing link” hiking trail connecting Marian Bear Park and Tecolote Park.
- Public Safety: A new fire station is planned southwest of Clairemont Drive and Balboa Avenue, with potential expansion for Fire Station 36 in eastern Clairemont.
Balancing Growth with Community Character
Despite the scale of the proposed changes, the blueprint has garnered relatively strong support from community leaders. This is largely due to its strategic approach: the plan aims to preserve the character of Clairemont’s single-family neighborhoods by focusing new, high-density development in existing commercial zones and along transit routes. Much of the new housing will be built in “high-resource areas” rich in jobs, educational opportunities, and community amenities.
Community Input and Remaining Concerns
The Clairemont Community Planning Group has been actively involved, successfully advocating for changes like the addition of a new trolley stop at Jutland Drive and the designation of 231 acres of canyonlands as private open space to prevent development. However, some concerns persist:
- Rose Canyon Operations Yard: Critics question the plan to rezone the Rose Canyon Operations Yard on Morena Boulevard from industrial to high-density residential, allowing buildings up to 65 feet. This issue will be decided by the full City Council.
- Bay Views: Residents in areas like Bay Park voiced concerns about new mid-rise housing potentially blocking bay views, leading to a decrease in property values.
Projected Impact
Here’s a snapshot of the changes envisioned by the Clairemont blueprint:
| Feature | Current (approx.) | Blueprint Goal (30 years) |
|---|---|---|
| New Housing Units | — | ~20,000 |
| Total Population | ~80,000 | ~119,000 |
| New Parks | — | 14 |
| Height Limit (commercial) | 30 feet | 40-65 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the full City Council vote on the plan?
A final City Council approval is scheduled for sometime next month (December). - Will my single-family home be directly affected by these changes?
The plan aims to keep single-family home neighborhoods mostly untouched, concentrating new housing in existing commercial areas and along the trolley line. - How can I provide feedback on the plan?
Details and opportunities to submit feedback are available at clairemontplan.org until next Sunday. - How will the community ensure these ambitious plans are realized?
While acknowledging the plan is “aspirational,” community leaders like Matthew Wang stress the importance of vision. Councilmember Kent Lee noted that only a fraction of new units typically get built in the initial years after such updates.
This transformative plan represents a significant step towards addressing San Diego’s housing needs and modernizing Clairemont, while aiming to preserve its suburban charm. Engaging with the plan via the provided website is crucial for residents to have their voices heard before the final vote.
Clairemont Growth Blueprint Approved
