The County of San Diego is working to address the region’s housing crisis in a variety of ways including by designating unused properties as excess land.
Over the last several years, the Board of Supervisors has identified 11 County-owned properties to be transformed into affordable housing. These properties will serve families, seniors, veterans, unsheltered people, and people with disabilities.
The properties are located throughout the region, with the majority located in the City of San Diego.
Three developments are already under construction.
The first property to break ground, Levant Street in Linda Vista, at Genesee Avenue and Linda Vista Road, is expected to open in spring 2024 with 127 units for seniors.
Construction has started on two other properties which will offer an additional 373 units. The remaining eight parcels are at various stages in the planning process.
“The County is galvanizing its efforts to tackle the housing affordability crisis by ensuring that publicly owned surplus land is used for affordable housing,” David Estrella, director of Housing and Community Development Services said. “By assisting with the creation of affordable housing we are improving the health of our residents, creating a safe living environment for them, and cultivating opportunities for residents to thrive.”
Kettner Crossing on Kettner Boulevard between Cedar and Beech Streets downtown will be completed in the summer of 2025. It will have 64 affordable units for seniors.
A year later, Mt. Etna in Clairemont near Genesee Avenue and Mt. Etna Drive is expected to have three of its four developments open. The project boasts four separate developments totaling 404 affordable units. One of the buildings is expected to be completed in the Winter of 2024, two others are expected to open Spring of 2026. The final building has yet to start construction.
The homes in all the developments are required to remain affordable for 55-99 years.
San Diego County Housing and Community Development Services today provides affordable housing opportunities to more than 40,000 people each year, through various housing programs and affordable housing efforts.
Since 2017, the County has invested more than $235 million in affordable housing, including using County excess property and its Innovative Housing Trust Fund.
Efforts since 2017 have resulted in 1,660 new units opened with an additional 2,926 units on the way.
When all the developments in the pipeline are complete, the total number of affordable units supported by the County will reach nearly 7,600. This is expected to provide homes to more than 16,700 people.
The development plans are in alignment with the Housing Blueprint, the County’s guide and ongoing response to the regional housing crisis.
