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On leading of other authentic estate fiascoes at San Diego Metropolis Hall occur new stories that the redevelopment of the forty eight-acre athletics arena parcel in the Halfway region may possibly run afoul of the Surplus Lands Act — a 2019 condition regulation necessitating that public lands 1st be offered to affordable housing builders and public companies. Is it fair to see this as one more example of the incompetence of former Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s administration on authentic estate promotions? Sure, it is.
The metropolis planned to lease the Halfway web-site to a developer, and the official analyses of the regulation refer to what governments must do when they are “disposing” of surplus land — which could effortlessly be comprehended as indicating selling it. And new Mayor Todd Gloria, who voted for the regulation whilst in the Assembly, appeared unaware it could possibly affect a lease of the Halfway web-site final fall when he mentioned on the marketing campaign path that the web-site could become an financial motor. But the issue is apparent. The California Office of Housing and Local community Development issued assistance for deciphering the regulation and a linked govt get from Gov. Gavin Newsom that explicitly and continuously referred to both the sale and lease of surplus lands. And now condition housing officials have confirmed policies advisable in November that contain this watch of the regulation. It is an unforced mistake.
This oversight occurred on Faulconer’s enjoy and is one more motive to scoff when he runs for governor denouncing Newsom’s record of management, decisions and governance whilst touting his possess.