Lemon Grove Residents Focus on Future at Housing Workshop

Community members gathered Thursday evening for the first of two workshops regarding the 2011-2020 Housing Element update to the city’s General Plan.

A dozen people provided feedback about Lemon Grove’s housing options during the city-hosted workshop, which was held at the .

After a presentation by David De Vries, a senior planner with the city’s Community Development Department, attendees divided into two groups to discuss and present their thoughts on the city’s housing issues and opportunities.

“I think we need to look at what a new homeowner is looking for,” said James Davis, who moved to Lemon Grove with his wife, Thea Davis, a year ago. “What are the newer generations who are coming to San Diego looking for? I think we really need to look at that and start addressing that.”

To guide the discussion, De Vries noted that Lemon Grove currently has 26,131 residents and is expected to increase to 26,702 residents by 2020. He explained that the state recommends the city have 309 additional housing units by 2020, and 136 of the units should be affordable to low- and very low-income households.

Thea Davis said the city should have a plan so that affordable housing is maintained.

“I understand people with lower incomes need housing. I will gladly help to get anybody housing, but have a plan so that it stays at a certain level and doesn’t go down,” she said. “If we improve what we have, we can invite a better quality of life for all.”

Some attendees argued that the city should “clean up” existing housing. One group suggested incentives, partnerships with habitat improvement agencies and increased code enforcement could improve existing housing.

In addition, community members said downtown Lemon Grove should also be improved. A higher tier of businesses could attract new residents and increase economic opportunity, they said.

“I know that we haven’t had a real fight to have businesses come into Lemon Grove,” said James Davis, who presented his group’s ideas. “I still don’t understand why they wouldn’t want to because I like it here, and I think it’s a great place. But I don’t think we have representation or a medium for businesses to know we exist and that we’re not part of San Diego and we’re not part of La Mesa.”

Attendees also suggested alternative energy, home growing and other sustainable housing accommodations, which De Vries noted as a housing trend during his presentation.

Longtime Lemon Grove resident Dona Lynn Clabby said young families like the Davises are “what Lemon Grove needs.”

“Some of you, I know, have been here many years,” said Clabby, who has lived at her Lemon Grove residence for 55 years. “We have newcomers on the horizon.

“We’re a small group here tonight, but we can make a big difference in planting seeds to make the oak grow. That is what Lemon Grove is all about.”

De Vries invited participants and community members unable to attend the workshop to submit additional feedback to City Hall. Residents are also encouraged to assist the city with identifying housing objectives by taking an online survey. De Vries said 36 people have participated in the survey so far.

“Getting the feedback was really good,” De Vries said. “I think both groups had a good analysis, and it was really important to do that. I feel real excited about the turnout of the survey as well.”

Using public input, staff will draft goals and policies, which will be presented during a follow up workshop at the Lemon Grove Community Center on Dec. 14.

Following the second workshop, De Vries said city staff will update the Housing Element and prepare the draft, which is tentatively scheduled to go before the planning commission on Jan. 23 and the City Council on Feb. 7. After the California Department of Housing and Community Development reviews the Housing Element, it goes back to the city council for adoption before April 27, 2013.

To provide feedback, contact De Vries at 619-825-3805 ext. 3926 or ddevrie@ci.lemon-grove.ca.us