San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria abandons plans for a mega shelter to address homelessness, opting instead to explore alternative solutions amid financial concerns.
At a Glance
- Mayor Gloria scraps plans for a 1,000-bed mega shelter due to financial viability concerns
- Three new locations proposed for potential homeless shelters
- City Council to consider exploring 2nd Avenue location, Veterans Village, and redeveloping the former Old Central Library
- Concerns raised about implementation speed and importance of homelessness prevention
- San Diego faces loss of shelter beds, with more closures expected in 2025
Mayor Gloria Shifts Gears on Homelessness Strategy
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has abandoned plans for a controversial mega shelter aimed at addressing the city’s growing homelessness crisis. The decision comes after a year of negotiations and mounting concerns over the financial viability of the project. Initially proposed as a 1,000-bed facility in a 65,000-square-foot commercial building, the shelter was intended to provide comprehensive services to the city’s homeless population.
The Mayor’s office has now pivoted to exploring alternative solutions, proposing three new locations for potential homeless shelters. These sites include the City Operations Building, the former Central Library, and a privately owned property on 2nd Avenue. Each location presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, with varying costs and capacities.
Financial Concerns and Budget Constraints
The decision to abandon the mega shelter project was largely influenced by financial concerns raised by the city’s Independent Budget Analyst. The analyst drew parallels to previous ill-fated real estate ventures and warned of the high costs and financial risks associated with the proposed lease agreement. With a looming budget deficit, city officials were forced to reconsider the feasibility of the project.
“After a year of negotiations and multiple hearings, we have come to the conclusion that the proposed homeless shelter campus at Kettner [Boulevard] and Vine [Street] can no longer advance. As a result, we will present alternative solutions to the City Council on Feb. 10,” Mayor Todd Gloria said.
The original lease deal for the mega shelter was tentatively set at $1.95 per square foot, with annual rent increases and significant maintenance costs. Over a 30-year period, the project could have cost the city upwards of $72 million, a figure that raised red flags among fiscal conservatives and budget watchdogs.
New Proposals and Community Reactions
As the city pivots away from the mega shelter concept, Mayor Gloria has proposed three alternative locations for potential homeless shelters. The City Operations Building, spanning 217,000 square feet, would require a $45.2 million refurbishment. The former Central Library, at 150,000 square feet, comes with a hefty $86.8 million renovation price tag. The third option, a privately owned property on 2nd Avenue, is considerably smaller at 25,000 square feet, with refurbishment costs yet to be determined.
Community reactions to these new proposals have been mixed. Some advocates argue for smaller, more manageable shelters that could provide better rehabilitation outcomes. Julie Porter, a local advocate, emphasized, “The smaller the population, the quicker the unhoused will heal and be able to get back into society and be productive citizens.” She further suggested, “Maximum of 100 people; 1,000 people would just be inhumane.”
Challenges and Future Outlook
San Diego faces significant challenges in addressing its homelessness crisis. The city is set to lose about 600 shelter beds by the end of 2024, with more closures expected in 2025. This loss of capacity underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to house and support the homeless population.
Mayor Gloria remains committed to expanding shelter options despite the setback with the mega shelter project. “While I continue to believe the proposed shelter at Kettner and Vine was the best and most cost-effective option for a permanent shelter program, I remain firm in my commitment to expand shelter. Getting people off the streets and out of the riverbed and canyons is not optional. That is why we are continuing to push forward with real solutions, identifying new sites and taking the necessary action to bring more people indoors,” he stated.
