City Council - 2026-04-08 - City Council Meeting November 18 1997
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
San Diego City Council unanimously approved the New Century Center master development plan for the 244-acre former General Dynamics site in Kearney Mesa, rezoning 85 acres from M1B industrial to CA commercial while retaining 159 acres for industrial use. The project includes a 15-year development agreement providing $1.25 million in community benefits, permanent preservation of approximately 1,400 acres in Sycamore Canyon, and is expected to generate 12,000 jobs and $4.2 million in annual tax revenue. The Council also continued discussion on the Zoning Code Update, with staff presenting revised ordinances addressing wetland regulations, biology guidelines, and various land use modifications.
Key Decisions (5)
New Century Center Master Development Plan - General Dynamics Site Rezoning
Approved rezoning of 85 acres along SR-163 frontage from M1B (industrial) to CA (commercial) for retail and entertainment uses totaling 1.4 million square feet. The eastern 159 acres retain M1B zoning for 3 million square feet of industrial/business park development. Applicant: General Dynamics Properties Incorporated. Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve on October 23rd; Kearney Mesa Planning Group approved 10-2.
EIR Certification for New Century Center (LDR 960165)
Certified Environmental Impact Report LDR number 960165, adopted findings and statement of overriding considerations, and adopted mitigation monitoring and reporting program for the New Century Center project.
General Plan and Community Plan Amendments for New Century Center
Adopted amendments to the Progress Guide and General Plan and Kearney Mesa Community Plan, and adopted the New Century Center Master Plan.
Development Agreement with General Dynamics Properties
Approved 15-year development agreement with General Dynamics Properties Incorporated providing significant public benefits in exchange for vested development rights and fee caps for five years.
Zoning Code Update - Continued Discussion
Staff presented revised ordinances and resolutions for the Zoning Code Update addressing wetland regulations, biology guidelines, companion units, bed and breakfast facilities, veterinary clinics, mining industries, heavy manufacturing parking, environmentally sensitive lands regulations, and single room occupancy hotels. Two motion options (A and B) were presented regarding wetland mitigation ratios and permitted uses.
Zoning Changes (1)
Western 85 acres of former General Dynamics site, Kearney Mesa, along SR-163 frontage
General Dynamics Properties Incorporated
Development Activity (1)
New Century Center
Western 85 acres: 1.4 million sq ft retail/entertainment including Market Square central gathering area and entertainment venue. Eastern 159 acres: 3 million+ sq ft campus-style industrial/business park for office, R&D, light manufacturing. Transit center included. 12,000 permanent jobs projected, 7,000 additional jobs in surrounding area. $4.2 million annual tax revenue. 8-12 year development timeline.
Market Signals (5)
Commercial Demand
Professor of Real Estate Finance noted San Diego faces intense competition from other major cities in attracting high-tech, knowledge-based businesses, and New Century Center addresses this gap by providing campus-style facilities for midsize and smaller technology companies.
Housing Demand
Entertainment and retail components are designed to keep workers in Kearney Mesa after 5pm, addressing community concern that the area becomes deserted after business hours.
Infrastructure
Caltrans expressed concerns about potential 4-mile queuing at freeway on-ramps from the project; mitigation includes HOV bypass lanes if queuing issues materialize.
Sentiment
Kearney Mesa Planning Group chair noted the community has been without high-tech, high-paying jobs on this parcel for too long, indicating strong local support for industrial job creation.
Labor
Project expected to generate 12,000 permanent jobs, primarily high-tech positions, plus 7,000 indirect jobs in surrounding area, replacing aerospace jobs lost in early 1990s defense industry downturn.