SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A local nonprofit group alleges the California Coastal Commission is denying affordable housing plans in many coastal communities to keep them exclusive to the wealthy.
When you see all this beauty, it’s no wonder people want to live along our coast. But for many, there is a big reason why they don’t live here.
City Council approves improvements to existing surveillance along the San Diego coast
“It’s expensive, yes,” said Bethany Johnson, a San Diego resident.
Members of the nonprofit Circulate San Diego say they are trying to change that. The group conducts research and advocacy on transit, safe streets and affordable housing.
On Friday they released their report called “A Better Coastal Commission.”
“The Coastal Commission is a state public agency in California with an important mandate to protect our habitat and coastal access. It is also responsible for reviewing many types of housing proposals near the coast,” said Will Moore, Circulate San Diego.
Carnival cruise ship responds to a distress call and rescues 25 people stranded on the Pacific coast
Circulate San Diego says the Coastal Commission has repeatedly delayed or denied proposals to build affordable housing in communities near the ocean.
“As housing prices rise, the coast risks becoming an exclusive enclave only for California’s wealthiest. These delays and denials of affordable housing by the Coastal Commission run counter to California’s goals of increasing the supply of affordable housing,” Moore continued.
California Assemblyman David Alvarez is sponsoring Assembly Bill 2560, which he says will address affordability challenges and also make the Coastal Commission a better partner for affordable housing in coastal communities. He says hotel and restaurant employees work along the coast but have to live miles away.
“It’s really no secret that the California coast is one of the most segregated and exclusive areas in the entire country. It is unaffordable for the vast majority of Californians. That includes the service workers who serve as the backbone of the economy along the coast,” said District 80 Assemblyman David Alvarez.
Service affected as work to stabilize Del Mar Cliffs along LOSSAN Railroad moves into next phase
During a meeting Thursday, commissioners said the allegations simply are not true.
“The Coastal Commission complies with and is already subject to the density bonus regulations of state law. “I agree with my fellow commissioner that it is a complete red herring to take authority away from the Coastal Commission, and that the proposed new legislation will result in more affordable housing,” said Commissioner Effie Turnbill Sanders.
Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, who is also a commissioner, called the allegations, especially about segregation, absolutely offensive.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.