A controversial plan to put tiny sleeping cabins for homeless people in Lemon Grove has overcome its final hurdle, clearing the way for construction to begin this summer.
The California Transportation Commission on Friday approved the sale of a vacant Caltrans-owned parcel at the intersection of Sweetwater Road and Troy Street in unincorporated Lemon Grove to San Diego County for $955,000.
The site will be home to 60 sleeping cabins that will likely be constructed by 2027.
The county-backed project has faced significant opposition and delays in an effort to strike a deal between the county and Caltrans.
Originally, the county aimed to lease the site from Caltrans for $1 a month. But Caltrans had originally bought the land using federal funds, and regulations require that excess land bought with federal money be sold at fair market value.
The setback will cost taxpayers nearly $1 million pulled from the county’s Office of Homelessness Solutions budget, a financial burden that officials were at one point unsure the county could afford.
“I am wary of the federal government retreating from its responsibilities, and the state not standing up and fighting back against that,” said Commissioner Jason Elliot, who abstained from voting. “I understand that having site control is important, but having a million dollars to spend on outreach, mental health services and on public safety is more important to me.”
County leaders have long pushed for increased shelter opportunities in East County, where homeless services are limited in contrast to other areas. Officials have proposed building cabins in sites across East County, including Santee, Lakeside and Spring Valley.
In each instance, officials backed off after residents objected. This was not the case in Lemon Grove, where residents have rallied against the proposal and even launched a recall effort against Mayor Alysson Snow due to her support of the cabin project.
Councilmembers Jessyka Heredia and Yadira Altamirano have strongly opposed the tiny homes project, primarily because of the site’s close proximity to schools and State Route 125.
“Once sold, this land cannot be replaced,” Heredia said in a letter to the California Transportation Commission. “Spring Valley and Lemon Grove have long faced infrastructure limitations and persistent traffic and safety concerns resulting from past planning decisions.”
Once constructed, the sleeping cabin program will provide wrap-around care, meals, and case management services to residents with the goal of transitioning them into permanent housing. This resource is one that officials have lauded as much needed for the East County city.
“I understand that there are some people who remain opposed to this project, but there are countless others who support this project and are asking that their unhoused community be prioritized,” Supervisor Monica Steppe said via Zoom.
Construction is estimated to cost $11.1 million and operating the site is expected to cost $3 million a year. Each one-room cabin will have basic amenities and could cost the county between $12,000 and $19,000 to build.
Despite delays, officials said the commission’s approval of the sale will ensure that construction is completed by 2027.