Scrap Plan for Freeway

Freeways, it seems, do not die easily.

And if there is one that ought to be put out of its misery, it’s the proposed California 252, a 1.2-mile, six-lane roadway connecting Interstates 5 and 15 with Interstate 805 through Southeast San Diego.

Fifteen years ago, houses were razed, families relocated and land cleared for the freeway. But after protests by the community, the City of San Diego terminated its agreement with the state. A lawsuit by National City followed, but it failed, and the freeway was believed to be dead. In 1980, the California Transportation Commission directed Caltrans to sell the land to the city for redevelopment.

The City Council has approved redevelopment for the land, but interest in the freeway has resurfaced. The county Board of Supervisors voted recently to support the freeway, and Caltrans says the highway will be needed to relieve traffic congestion expected over the next 20 years. Sandag, the regional planning agency, notes, however, that there are viable alternatives, including the San Diego Trolley and California 54.

At a Thursday hearing in Ontario, the commission will decide whether to go ahead with the sale. Southeast residents are understandably upset that they must travel 100 miles to present their side.

While the commission is correct in saying that it should consider the needs of the total transportation system, we think that the Southeast redevelopment plan should prevail.

This land has been wasted for more than a decade, and funds for the freeway are not expected to be approved for at least another 10 years. Meanwhile, an area of the city much in need of revitalization lies littered with broken bottles and old furniture.