We, the undersigned, oppose the Pacific Village redevelopment plan. The proposed site of the redevelopment is Peñasquitos Village, a community comprised of 332 apartments spread over 42 acres on Carmel Mountain Road, just west of the I-15. It was built a little over 40 years ago as low-income housing. The HUD lien, which required it to be used for that purpose, has recently expired. However, it continues to function (per the market) as low-income housing because of the small size and age of the units. Many of the residents receive housing assistance from the government.

The Rancho Peñasquitos Community Plan states that redevelopment of the area “should provide low- and moderate-income housing" (p. 41). The proposed redevelopment plan, submitted by the owner, Atlantic & Pacific Properties, consists of 564 units, with only 28 set aside for low-income residents. That is a massive reduction in low-income housing for the community which already lacks sufficient affordable and low-income housing. Many of the residents--seniors, disabled, and single-parent families--are especially vulnerable. We are concerned that they will not be able to find other housing in the area which they can afford. They are valued community members with ties to local schools, faith communities, and businesses. The presence of affordable and low-income housing ensures that Rancho Peñasquitos will be a more balanced community.

We urge the Rancho Peñasquitos Planning Board to recommend against the Pacific Village plan, and we urge the San Diego Planning Department and City Council to reject it. Rejection of the plan means that Atlantic & Pacific Properties will have to submit a new plan that conforms to the Community Plan and better serves the common good. We believe this can be done in a way that profits the owners as well.