Mission Hills’ Neighbors Receive More Bad News on Derelict Properties
This past month, residents who reside on Washington Place, close to Pioneer Park, met with Councilman Stephen Whitburn to share with him two properties that have been vacant, had homeless encamped in them, and one demolished by a fire set by a homeless person.
During the on-site meeting, the residents shared the steps they had taken over the course of 13 years, including speaking with the current owner who states that he is planning to build a 7,500 square foot home on the site.
However, since he resides off the property, transients have made both properties places to reside. The fire, which took place in 2012, led to the arrest of a person. Since then, dead brush and more homeless activity continues to occur.
Councilman Whitburn then said to the neighbors, “You’ve come to the correct person and place.”
Then he proceeded to say that Logan Braydis, community representative for Mission Hills, would be the contact person. Whitburn also said that his team would contact the city attorney and that this would be identified as a “public nuisance issue.”
Whitburn gave the impression that this matter would receive his staff’s concerted effort to correct the problem.
However, now it appears that the baton has been passed and more delays are expected.
The following was sent by Braydis to the neighbors on Wednesday, June 28:
“It has been determined that BLUE (Building and Land Use Enforcement) will not be transferring this case to the City Attorney’s office at this time. We remain hopeful that BLUE will proceed with sending this case to the City Attorney’s office for potential civil action. However, I have been informed by BLUE that if the owner of the property demonstrates a commitment to rectifying the situation, they may decide not to pursue further action. I have submitted another inquiry to obtain information regarding the payment of fees by the Property Owner, as well as the submission of an updated Statement of Intent and Letter of Agency. I expect to receive a response by the end of this week and will provide you with the information as soon as it becomes available. Unfortunately, they cannot force the owner to pay the fees to move the project forward, but the property owner is required to keep a Statement of Intent on file.
“It is important to note that BLUE will continue to monitor the premises on a three-month basis, with the next investigation scheduled around August 18th. However, the ZI (Zoning Investigator) may conduct additional inspections if complaints are received for periodic nuisances and violations (i.e., trespassers, non-incidental storage, unsecured perimeter fence, etc). Concerned residents may contact ZI Shea Fitzgerald-Brennan directly at SFitzgeraldB@sandiego.gov to discuss his investigation or provide additional information. Moreover, if trespassing incidents persist, I strongly advise you to contact the police directly, as they will log these occurrences.”
Following this communication, Eric Jacobsen, a resident of Washington Place, who has been acting as the neighborhood liaison with the city, offered his comments.
“The councilman did say he could get it handled while standing in front of the properties. It was not a maybe. As we know, the ‘thoughts and prayers’ approach to bureaucracy doesn’t really work. Note that Councilman Joe LaCava was able to get a problem house handled in his district which operates within the same city.”
To add more insult to the situation, Ryan Darsey, director of community engagement for Councilman Whitburn, made the following statement.
“We understand the disappointment, but I want to make clear that this is not our office’s decision. The council office does not have the power to direct City staff, that power falls under the mayor’s office. However, our office has done everything in our power to advocate that this be addressed and will continue to do so on behalf of our residents.”
Unfortunately, the saga continues.
Category: Events, featured, Government, Homeless, Housing, Local News
