San Diego is considering a plan to build affordable housing on several city-owned properties, including seven public library sites. The initiative is part of the city's Affordable Home Development Master Plan, which emerged from the Home Opportunity Framework that assessed 400 city-owned parcels.
The framework identified 20 potential locations, narrowing down to 11 most promising sites. Among these are libraries in University Heights, University City, Allied Gardens, Mira Mesa, Linda Vista, North Park, and Clairemont.
The master plan aims to balance the use of public land for essential city services, such as libraries, with the need for increased housing. "Any potential development at a candidate site with an existing library would include both a replacement library and housing, consistent with the Library Master Plan," according to a statement from the City of San Diego.
City officials will now study these 11 sites to determine how essential services can continue to operate alongside new affordable homes. The city is also seeking public input through an online survey, which is open until August 28.
Under California's Surplus Land Act, publicly owned land no longer needed for municipal operations must be offered for affordable housing development before other uses or private sales are considered.
Some residents have expressed concerns about the proposal, questioning the prioritization of libraries in redevelopment plans. "Why does it have to be the one resource that serves the community, that can teach ESL classes, that can be a safe haven for kids after school," resident Sam Chandna told NBC.
