A coalition of residents and business owners in downtown San Diego proposed a five-point plan on Monday to improve public safety and cleanliness in the area. Mayor Todd Gloria showed his support for the plan during a rally, emphasizing the importance of downtown’s success for the entire city.
The plan includes strategies such as banning homeless encampments, increasing police presence, addressing frequent 911 callers, expanding psychiatric emergency response teams, and enacting new laws to combat crime and enhance quality of life in the area. Betsy Brennan, president and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, highlighted the significance of immediate action on the plan to ensure downtown remains a thriving community.
While the plan received support from Mayor Gloria, his opponent Larry Turner criticized it as a last-minute attempt to address long-standing issues in the city. Turner believes the plan lacks genuine commitment and is merely a political maneuver to distract from ongoing problems in downtown.
The proposal also mentioned the Transient Occupancy Tax, with downtown contributing over $1.7 million in 2023. However, stakeholders acknowledge that more input is needed before the plan can be implemented. City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, SDPD Central Division Captain Ryan Hallahan, and local business owners were also present at the rally to show their support.
Overall, the plan aims to revitalize downtown San Diego by prioritizing public safety and cleanliness. While opinions on the effectiveness of the plan vary, it underscores the collaborative effort between residents, business owners, and city officials to enhance the quality of life in the area. With ongoing discussions and stakeholder input, the future of downtown San Diego looks to be a community-driven and proactive one.