2014 -15 ANNUAL REPORT
COLLEGE AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING BOARD
and COMMUNITY COUNCIL
CACPB PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE
Neighborhood Development Permit (City Project # 366530) for installation of wireless antennas at Alvarado Hospital, 6719 Alvarado Road. Committee recommended approval by a vote of 6-0. The CACC-CACPB recommended approval on the consent agenda at a meeting held on 9 July 2014
Development
Permit for student residences building (City Project # 350930).
The committee met several times from February of 2014 to January 2015 to discuss new construction proposed at 5030 College Avenue. As of the preparation of this report, several issues remain outstanding and no recommendation has been made by either the committee or the CACC-CACPB.
CACC CODE ENFORCEMENT AND NUISANCE RENTAL PROPERTIES:
Code Enforcement: The City Council approved zoning investigator position, dedicated to nuisance rental property issues, was filled in December. CENRP continues to request that City Code Enforcement Division (CED) process RHOP violations in a more timely manner. In some cases, by the time CED investigates a house for a potential violation for the RHOP, the tenants have moved out because of the semester end. The revised Rooming House Ordinance was presented at the City Council's Public Safety and Livable
Neighborhoods Committee. It was approved unanimously, and will be heard by City Council in the Spring.
SDPD: SDPD now has 5 bicycles for use by their C Squad, which is assigned to party disturbances from Thursday nights through Sunday nights. This is a big help to enforcement. SDPD (not parking enforcement) will respond to calls about parking on awns, though a low priority. SDPD in 2013 established a local monthly meeting (CARPUS) to address College Area residents' concerns about SDPD enforcement issues, mainly nuisance parties. These meetings continue.
Environmental Services (Trash containers): Environmental Services has been doing a good job of tagging trash containers left on the street after collection.
Area B Permit Parking: The City has been informed that the College Area does not want Area B parking extended to apartments, which should keep these apartments' residents from parking in single-family neighborhoods with B Permit Parking.
CACC BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE:
Tubman Joint Use Park: Council District 9 provided funding for the preparation of a General Development Plan (GDP) for a joint use park at the Harriet Tubman Village Charter School in FY2012-13. Work on the plan continued throughout 2014, and was approved as presented for a natural grass field (1.3 acres) and additional amenities to bring the park size up to about 1.7 acres. The committee is now seeking funds to draw up construction documents and build the joint use park. Councilmember Emerald has made this project a priority in her FY 2015-16 budget.
Montezuma Trail: The Montezuma Trail concept was approved by the CACC Board 2012-13. In 2014, the project was considered for Dollar-per-Ticket funds. Use of these funds was ultimately rejected by SDSU, one of the three parties to the Dollar-per-Ticket agreement.
At the same time, sewer pipe replacement projects along Montezuma Ave between 55th St and Fairmont Ave led to a repaving and restriping of Montezuma to include a designated bicycle trail on the north side of Montezuma from 55th to Fairmont. The committee continues to seek funds for a sidewalk on the north side.
Fairmont/Montezuma vegetation islands: In late 2013 the City assumed responsibility for maintenance of several traffic islands that were in the past maintained by Caltrans. In March 2014, the City solicited bids for the maintenance of this area. We should now see cleaner islands, more consistent watering, and vegetation trimming on a regular basis.
Montezuma Wall: The committee has worked with the SDSU Art Department to generate possible mural designs for an unsightly gunnite retaining wall on the south side of Montezuma Road, between 54th and 55th Streets. A senior level SDSU art class submitted 8 proposals for review and a finalist has been selected. The committee is currently securing formal, signed agreements with the affected property owners before seeking the funds necessary to implement the project. Approval by the CACC/CACPB is pending. Elements of some of the other proposals may be candidates for other locations, such as the center median on Montezuma Rd. where it meets El Cajon Blvd, and 70th St.
Community Signage:
El Cerrito - El Cerrito community members are trying to raise community awareness with an "El Cerrito" neighborhood sign. A suitable location for the sign is being sought.
College Area East - The eastern-most portions of the CACC area are impacted differently by SDSU than residences closer to College. Community members seek to raise the profile of the area through the use of a neighborhood sign. Design and placement along 70th St between Alvarado Rd. and Saranac St. are being considered.
College Area Beautification Master Plan: In order to apply a consistent approach and unifying theme to beautification projects for the College Area, the committee will compile a Master Plan to identify all projects that it wishes to pursue. Primary focus will be along the Montezuma Corridor, El Cajon Blvd. and College Ave. with potential applications of concepts extended to adjoining streets.
CACC COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
Newsletter: CACC newsletter is published monthly. It is e-mailed to over 500 members and interested parties, and a hard copy is mailed to approximately 55 members who have indicated they do not wish to receive it electronically. Constant Contact: is used to send out notices of events and items of interest to over 500 community members and interested parties between monthly newsletters.
Website: The CACC web page continues to be an excellent source of information for the community. Agendas & meeting minutes are posted there.
Membership: The committee continues to increase membership through use of Renewal Notices and publicity. As a convenience, members are able to pay their dues via the web page using PayPal.
Brochure: The committee is currently re-designing the CACC brochure.
Identity: The CACC will, in 2015, hold a "slogan contest".
EL CAJON BOULEVARD
CACC continues to work with other community planning groups and councils to find funds for a mobility study for ECB, and improve its appearance.
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