SAN DIEGO–The Centre City Development Corporation Board approved a design of Fat City Lofts project but recommended a denial of Land-Use Permits.
The board voted 6-0 with two abstentions (Chair Kilkenny and Secretary Relyea) to grant design review approval, based on architecture and urban design, for the Fat City Lofts project, a proposed mixed-use project development on the block bounded by Pacific Highway, California and Hawthorne streets, and a vacated portion of Ivy Street. The proposed project would include 232 apartments, 4,485 square feet of ground floor retail space and 294 parking spaces.
The project also requires approval of a Coastal Development Permit and Centre City Development Permit by CCDC Board Chairman Kim Kilkenny. Due to the residential project’s location in close proximity to the Solar Turbine’s industrial complex, CCDC staff recommended denial of the permits based on the project’s inconsistency with policies of 1992 Centre City Community Plan and the City of San Diego’s General Plan Economic Prosperity Element that seek to avoid land use incompatibility and protect base sector industrial uses.
In a subsequent vote, a motion to recommend approval of the Centre City Development Permit and Coastal Development Permit failed by a 2-4 vote (Directors Black and Oncina in favor; Vice Chair Shaw, Treasurer Jones and Directors Morgan and Gattas opposed) and with two abstentions (Chair Kilkenny and Secretary Relyea).
The board did not make an official recommendation on this matter, as no further motions were made or votes taken. The decision on the land use permits will be made by acting president Kilkenny, whose decision is appealable to the San Diego Planning Commission.
