SAN DIEGO (KGTV) \u2014 San Diego is asking residents to weigh in on plans to build affordable housing on city-owned land, including at seven public library locations.<\/p>\n
The city has identified 11 sites for further study as possible locations for affordable housing developments. Seven of those sites are city libraries, including a recently renovated branch in University City.<\/p>\n
Starting Monday, the city is hosting a series of public open houses to gather community feedback on the long-term plans. Four workshops are scheduled over the coming days.<\/p>\n
Pat Wilson, president of the Friends of San Diego Public Library, said she plans to attend several of the open houses to share her concerns.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got to make sure, keep our eyes on, is to make sure that if this sort of plan goes forward that we protect our libraries,” Wilson said.<\/p>\n
The organization advocates for local library branches across San Diego.<\/p>\n
According to the city, any potential development at an existing library location would include a replacement library alongside housing, consistent with the Library Master Plan.<\/p>\n
“It can be on the first floor of a multi-story apartment building. They work just fine in other places, so there’s no reason we can’t do it, but we must do it,” Wilson said.<\/p>\n
The city says its Affordable Home Development Master Plan has not yet been drafted. Officials describe the 11 identified sites as locations selected for further study, not finalized development plans.<\/p>\n
According to the city’s timeline, a master plan will be drafted and finalized after public feedback is collected.<\/p>\n
Wilson said she supports the concept on paper, with one condition: no library can be permanently eliminated.<\/p>\n
“We cannot afford to lose any one of our branch libraries; they’re jewels,” Wilson said.<\/p>\n