Developers Insist Midway Rising Project Will Proceed Despite Ruling

UPDATE: Developers of the ambitious Midway Rising project reaffirmed today that a recent court ruling maintaining a 30-foot height limit will not derail their plans for a new urban nightlife district near Pechanga Arena. This decision comes just days after an appellate court ruled that the city failed to adequately inform the public about the environmental implications of lifting height restrictions.

The Midway Rising initiative aims to construct 4,000 homes, with half designated for low-income residents, and envisions buildings soaring up to 85 feet. The project has been a focal point in San Diego’s urban development discussions, as it promises to transform the area and provide much-needed affordable housing.

Mayor Todd Gloria expressed strong disagreement with the court’s decision, vowing to appeal it to the California Supreme Court. “Failure is simply not an option, and we will get this done,” he stated. His office is exploring multiple avenues to ensure the project continues, emphasizing that the community’s needs are paramount.

Jeff Meyer, spokesperson for Midway Rising, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, asserting that state laws permitting projects to exceed local restrictions when including low-income housing will enable the initiative to move forward. “This ruling has little bearing on Midway Rising,” Meyer emphasized, highlighting the project as one of the largest affordable housing developments in California’s history.

The legal battle stems from a citizens group called Save Our Access, which successfully challenged the ballot measure that sought to lift the height limit. John McNab, the group’s president, stated, “If the city wants to proceed with the project, it’ll need to do a new environmental impact report and offer a new ballot measure.” He warned that the city cannot exceed the 30-foot limit without further legal hurdles.

As the developers push forward, the community remains divided. While many support the promise of new housing, others express concerns over the potential influx of residents, estimating an additional 150,000 to 200,000 people in the area. The implications of the project extend beyond just housing; they touch on environmental impacts and urban density, making this a contentious issue for local residents.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the upcoming appeal to the California Supreme Court, which could redefine the future of urban development in San Diego. The Midway Rising team is poised to adapt their strategy, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing as a critical component of the project’s viability.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the landscape of San Diego for generations to come.