San Diego
The San Diego City Council on Monday authorized two studies to determine the proposed new civic center’s impact on traffic and the environment.
The council voted, 7 to 2, to spend $40,630 for an environmental impact analysis and $19,370 for a traffic impact analysis. The money is in addition to the $1.2 million already spent to purchase a parcel of property needed for the project and $200,000 for the work of consultants and city staff, said Deputy City Manager Maureen Stapleton.
Pressed for office space, the council is proposing to build a $241-million City Hall complex in a 7-square-block area just south of San Diego City College and west of the new 14th street police headquarters. The plan may be expanded to include a $78-million Central Library.
Council members Bruce Henderson and Judy McCarty voted against approving the studies, saying they believe there are less expensive alternatives to the plan.
City Manager John Lockwood’s office has recommended construction of the new City Hall as a cost-effective alternative to continuing to lease space in downtown office buildings.
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