San Diego City Council approves Pacific Village project
Last month, the San Diego City Council approved the 600-unit Pacific Village, the project is located in Rancho PeĂąasquitos, and is the current site of the 322unit affordable complex called PQ Village. The developer will demolish all existing units to build new apartments and condominiums. The project will have 324 marketrate condominiums and 276 for-rent apartment dwelling units. The project also includes 60 apartment units reserved for subsidized low-income, and the developer will provide another 55 subsidized apartments in other housing projects located close by. The Pacific Village proposal
14 | RentalOwner April 2018
became very controversial because it would displace all tenants, all who rely on housing subsidies. San Diego Organizing Project, PQ Village tenants, and other groups protested the project after tenants complained they would be unable to find another place to live without major assistance. After months of discussions, the developer agreed to set aside 115 units for affordable subsidized units. The displaced residents also would receive financial assistance for moving expenses, and some would even receive payments for deposits for their next home. What makes the project’s approval so unique is the developer met with stakeholders and agreed to provide the assistance to the tenants. Some speculate more developers in future projects may use a similar approach in aiding
displaced tenants. SDCAA staff attended the council hearing in support of the project because it would add more housing units, for-market and subsidized units, to the region. The SDCAA believes the key to solving California’s housing affordability crisis is increasing the supply of all types of housing at all price levels. In an effort to promote responsibility when considering rent adjustments, the SDCAA has developed a resource guide, the "Rent Adjustment kit." For a free copy please contact the SDCAA at info@sdcaa.com