City Council - 2026-02-24 - Tuesday Agenda Revised Added S500-S501
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The San Diego City Council meeting on February 24, 2026 focused primarily on the controversial Preservation and Progress Package A, which passed 5-1 despite significant community opposition. The package includes a new 'findings not supported' appeal standard allowing council to overturn Historic Resources Board designations, and clarifies that Complete Communities housing can be built on non-contributing properties within the Ocean Beach Cottage Emerging Historic District. The council also unanimously approved dedication of 2 acres of city land for the $53 million Fenton Parkway Bridge connecting Snapdragon Stadium to Mission Valley, and authorized water revenue bonds expected to save $46.4 million through refinancing.
Key Decisions (5)
Preservation and Progress Package A
Comprehensive update to historic preservation program including amendments to General Plan historic preservation element, land development code changes, and new appeal process allowing council to determine if HRB findings are 'not supported.' Clarifies Complete Communities housing is allowed on non-contributing properties in thematic/emerging historic districts. Community Planners Committee voted 28-0 against; HRB did not recommend approval.
Fenton Parkway Bridge Land Dedication
Dedication of approximately 2 acres of city-owned land for construction of 400-foot bridge connecting Fenton Parkway to Camino Del Rio North near Snapdragon Stadium. SDSU will design, construct, and maintain bridge for 5 years before city takes over maintenance. Total bridge cost over $53 million with city contributing $8 million from stadium sale proceeds.
Water Revenue Bonds Authorization
Authorization for Public Facilities Financing Authority to issue water revenue bonds for up to $150 million in new money to pay down commercial paper for water CIP projects, plus refunding of 2016A and 2016B water revenue bonds totaling $307 million outstanding.
Consent Agenda Items
Approved items 10, 50-62, 100-102, 104-105, and S501 including Pure Water contracts, sewer construction, legal services agreement with Schwartz Semerdjian, and settlement of LAFCO litigation (S500) for $116,000.
Planning Commission Reappointments
Reappointment of Farah Mazari and Ted Miyahara to the Planning Commission (Item 105).
Zoning Changes (1)
Ocean Beach Cottage Emerging Historic District (approximately 3,000 parcels)
City Planning Department
Development Activity (3)
Fenton Parkway Bridge
400-foot bridge providing vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian access; approximately 2 acres of dedicated land; total cost over $53 million with SDSU and developers paying $45 million from impact fees
College Area Community Plan Update
First comprehensive plan update in 30+ years; groundwork for up to 17,750 new housing opportunities for students
Teralta Building Adaptive Reuse
Preservation of historic thrift store facade with Teralta sign, new affordable housing built behind with step-back design; nearly full block of affordable housing
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
College Area community plan update creates framework for 17,750 new student housing units near SDSU, indicating strong demand for student housing near major universities.
Infrastructure
City investing $8 million in Fenton Parkway Bridge infrastructure to support SDSU Mission Valley development, with total project cost over $53 million funded primarily by developer impact fees.
Housing Demand
Historic districts are adding ADUs at 1.5 times the rate of the rest of the city, with population growing faster in historic districts than citywide.
Sentiment
Strong community opposition to historic preservation changes with Community Planners Committee voting 28-0 against Package A and public comment running 12-1 against, but council approved 5-1.
Commercial Demand
Ocean Beach Newport Avenue experiencing business turnover with Rite Aid closed and for sale, Union Bank vacant for years, and multiple boarded-up retail spaces needing customer activation.
Infrastructure
Water utility refinancing expected to save $46.4 million through bond refunding, with 13% net present value savings, though future rate increases will be needed for ongoing capital program.