SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Planning Commission advanced a plan Thursday that would make the Midway District more vibrant by adding housing, commercial projects and parks.
The plan would grow the area’s housing from 2,000 to 11,000 over the next 20 years. Business development in the area would also generate a similar number of jobs.
The district would also boast nearly 30 acres of parks. "We think it's an important opportunity to provide for the park needs of the community," project manager Vickie White said.
The parks would all fit into an improved pedestrian and bile network that would make use of existing transit infrastructure. The city hopes the network would reduce the area’s reliance on cars.
"We're focused on creating comfortable connections along transit corridors to make this a more appealing area to walk or bike -- we see a lot off opportunities for modal increase in this area," White said.
Reducing reliance on cars also complies with a citywide climate action plan. "If there's one real, glaring problem with this community it's a lack of connectivity from district to district," Commissioner William Hofman said.
The area around sports arena and Valley View Casino Center would also get additional streets and paths.
The plan includes a variety of possibilities for the sports arena including operating it as is or demolishing it and pushing for other land-use opportunities.
The plan will now go to the City Council’s Smart Growth and Land Use Committee in May.
