City Council set to approve controversial land sale

In a recent government meeting, the City Council discussed a purchase and sale agreement concerning a piece of surplus land, which is set to be presented under item 332. The Economic Development Department's Real Estate Division has recommended approval of this agreement following a favorable vote from the Land Use and Housing Committee on June 13, 2024.

The project has undergone a thorough environmental review by the development services department, which concluded that it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Additionally, the community planning board voted unanimously on June 11, 2020, to recommend approval of the project without any conditions. The proposal adheres to all regulations outlined in the San Diego Municipal Code, with all necessary conditions detailed in the staff report.

City staff are advocating for the council to approve a resolution confirming the project's CEQA exemption and to endorse the coastal development permit, site development permit, and public right-of-way vacation.

During the meeting, public comments were solicited, but initially, there were no responses. However, one attendee raised questions regarding the pricing of the surplus land, which is set at $70 per square foot, compared to other properties that are being transferred without cost. Concerns were also expressed about the implications of the CEQA exemption for the alleyway involved in the project, particularly regarding its future use.

City staff clarified that the alleyway's underlying fee is owned by adjacent property owners, and once vacated, it will revert to them. The surplus land in question was originally acquired in 1990 but was not utilized in the development of Sorrento Valley Road, making it a remnant property.

The meeting concluded with staff indicating that further details regarding the sale would be provided in a separate presentation.