FAQs
1. What is Plaza Linda Verde?
Plaza Linda Verde is a mixed-use (student housing and retail) development project proposed by San Diego State University on university-owned property south of the transit center and Aztec Walk. Plaza Linda Verde will address long-standing university and community needs within a sustainable, pedestrian / bicycle-friendly development.
2. Why is SDSU proposing to build Plaza Linda Verde?
SDSU is proposing development of this mixed-use project on property it owns south of campus to create a dynamic new gateway between the community and campus. It will include much-needed student housing and community serving retail and that will help to revitalize this blighted area.
3. What features and amenities will be included in this project?
In response to community input, the initial Phase One development proposes housing for 600-700 upper-division students and 45,000 square feet of retail development with on-site parking to support the retail. The ground-floor will include a community market, such as Trader Joe’s, Windmill Farms or Whole Foods; a national brand restaurant; and other community-serving retail shops.
Since SDSU is committed to preserving our environment and promoting sustainability, this project will be built utilizing green building guidelines and principles. Plaza Linda Verde will include tree-lined streets, outdoor dining and gathering spaces in a pedestrian / bicycle-oriented environment, creating a more liveable neighborhood that benefits both SDSU and the surrounding community.
A second phase, which would require property acquisition, would include housing for an additional 600 students and another 45,000 square feet of retail. While SDSU will continue to pursue available parcels to develop this phase of the project, all acquisitions would involve voluntary sellers only.
4. Is this proposal in conflict with the City of San Diego’s plans for a redevelopment project?
No, the university’s project is not in conflict with the City’s plans since Plaza Linda Verde will provide many of the same retail services and student housing anticipated in the City’s plans. The university’s project is located on property it owns and does not require condemnation of any third-party properties such as the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house, religious organization centers, McDonalds, and 4.0 Deli Retail Center.
5. Why is SDSU not participating in the City of San Diego’s RFQ process?
The university is not participating in the City’s RFQ process because the City’s approach requires condemnation of property from unwilling sellers – a process that could delay implementation for years.
Since Plaza Linda Verde will be developed on property it owns, SDSU can deliver as early as 2013 a project that will provide much-needed student housing, retail and parking faster and with more certainty than a private developer going through the City’s redevelopment process.
6. What experience does the university have developing similar developments?
SDSU has extensive experience in building capital projects including student housing, parking and retail. Overall, the university has built more than $430 million in projects over the last 10 years.
7. Will SDSU mitigate traffic, parking and other potential impacts resulting from Plaza Linda Verde?
Yes, the university will be conducting an environmental review for the Plaza Linda Verde project, and will mitigate potentially significant impacts identified by this process, including significant impacts to traffic, parking and other potential environmental impacts that may be identified.
8. Will Plaza Linda Verde generate tax revenues for the City of San Diego?
Yes, Plaza Linda Verde will generate much-needed tax revenue for the City, including sales tax and in-lieu tax increment fees from the retail uses, at a time the City is facing budget constraints. Most important, since the project would be funded by the university, the City would not bear the burden of financing the project.
9. Will there be any opportunities in the future for the community to provide input on Plaza Linda Verde?
Yes, working with the community on Plaza Linda Verde is a priority for the university. SDSU will be conducting a comprehensive outreach program to communicate with and receive input from neighboring residents and business owners.
10. If this project is approved by the CSU Board of Trustees, when will construction start?
If approved, construction of Plaza Linda Verde could begin as early as summer 2011, with restaurants, stores and much-needed student housing opening by fall 2013.
11. Do the images on this site show exactly what Plaza Linda Verde will look like?
No. The images represent a concept only and the designs for Plaza Linda Verde have not yet been completed. SDSU will be conducting a comprehensive outreach program to communicate with and receive input from neighboring residents and business owners.