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Dear Supporters of Neighbors for a Better California, Thank you for standing with Neighbors for a Better California (NFABC) as we advocate for fair and transparent development in our community. Below is a summary of our recent meeting regarding the Turquoise Tower project, along with our next steps to ensure accountability and protect our neighborhoods. Friday April 25, 2025 Meeting with Mayor’s Office Summary: Key Issues with Turquoise Tower Incorrect Base Density Numbers
NFABC highlighted discrepancies in the developer’s base density calculations, as outlined in the February 14th Planning Committee letter. (Residential base density is reduced by 1/3 (i.e. 20 base units verses 31)) Emily, from the Mayors, committed to reviewing this issue with the Development Services Department (DSD) and Chris Ackerman-Avila, Senior Policy Advisor with the Mayor. Ministerial vs. Discretionary Approval Concerns
NFABC questioned the City’s claim of ministerial approval for Turquoise Tower, which only has 52% residential space—falling short of the 2/3 requirement under AB 1248 (Alvarez) and SB 423(Weiner). Ministerial approval bypasses public input, CEQA review, and design negotiations, stripping away critical community protections. A discretionary process would restore these safeguards. Strategic Push for Accountability
NFABC stressed that the City must make a legally defensible decision on whether Turquoise Tower qualifies as ministerial or discretionary. Forcing developers to justify their ministerial claim could expose project weaknesses, giving NFABC leverage to demand a fair review. Hotel Room Count
The City has yet to clarify how hotel units factor into density calculations, a gap that could force the developer to redesign or scale back the project. Height Limits and Incentives
Developers are manipulating base density to secure height increases through concessions, offering just five very low-income units to justify towering structures. NFABC argues this is unreasonable and must be challenged. Developer’s Track Record and Intentions
NFABC noted the developer’s history, citing a North Park project that was entitled and sold without construction. Concerns were raised that Turquoise Tower may be a “flip” project, misusing “visitor accommodations” to disguise a hotel as housing, exploiting density and height bonuses. HCD and RHNA Compliance Issues
NFABC clarified that the Housing and Community Development (HCD) letter on housing elements does not justify counting hotel units toward Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) goals. Additionally, the project’s housing targets upper-income levels, failing to address true affordability needs.
Next Steps: Our Plan Forward City Follow-Up: Emily will escalate NFABC’s concerns to DSD and the Mayor’s senior housing advisor. Push for Discretionary Review: We will continue pressing for a discretionary review based on incorrect density and residential calculations. Hotel Units Justification: NFABC will advocate for no hotel units. Strategic Messaging: We’ll amplify our message that developers are misusing affordable housing incentives to build market-rate hotels, undermining community needs.
How You Can Help Stay Informed: Follow our updates and share this newsletter with neighbors. Spread the Word: Highlight the misuse of housing rules for hotel projects on social media or at community events. Join Us: Attend future meetings to help shape our strategy and hold developers accountable.
Together, we can ensure development in California prioritizes our communities over profit-driven projects. Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Neighbors for a Better California [Contact Us | Website |Social Media: X ] Sincerely, Marcella Bothwell, MD, MBA Chair, NeighborsFor A Better California San Diego, CA bothwellm@icloud.com
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