Highly Regarded Mills Act Under Attack by Local Politicians
Shane Harris, president of People’s Association of Justice Associates, recently announced a new initiative and a citywide public petition. He was joined by several historical associations, archivists and historians when he made the announcement. The City of San Diego’s Mills Act program has long been a cornerstone of historic preservation, incentivizing property owners to maintain and restore historic buildings while providing financial relief that can help make home ownership more affordable, particularly for first-time buyers. It works through a 10-year contract between the City and the property owner. The program is authorized by state law (Government Code Section 50280-50290) and the San Diego City Council.
Joining Harris during announcement of the initiative were Bruce and Alana Coons, Save our Heritage Organization; Laura Henson, Talmadge Historical Association; Yvette Porter Moore, historian and member of San Diego County Historical Site Board (District 4/Southeastern San Diego); Ryan Stephens, San Diego Real Estate broker. Also present for introduction of the initiative were residents of Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, Talmadge, and Southeast San Diego.
The Mills Act is under threat of potentially being removed with efforts being led by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s office and others later this year. Harris unveiled new efforts to keep the Act in the city ordinance and to build citywide support for it through a new public petition he launched on Wednesday April 30.
According to Harris, city officials are attempting to destroy the character and fabric of older neighborhoods with this effort. He emphasized the “backward” approach by the mayor and city staff. Rather than talking to residents first, they initiate and take action and then face the backlash from residents and business owners.
He also spoke of the Kettner and Vine Street, Middletown, mega-homeless facility, which received lots of negative press, and pushback from the neighboring communities.
Harris said that the mayor and his city staff continue to pit groups against each other by name calling, using terms such as NIMBY and YIMBY, to create tension and a toxic, counter-productive culture and environment in the City of San Diego.
To educate and encourage dialogue among residents and organizations, Harris will be doing town hall meetings and forums, as well as initiating a petition-signing campaign. Those interested in supporting his effort are asked to visit www.pajmovement.org/millsactsd.
Category: Events, feature, Government, Historical, Local News, Nonprofit
