Redwood Village

Excerpt from an email sent to the Darnall President.

''We would like to know more about the re-development plans for this area and how it will effect our residency, as well as when it will take affect.''

By Darnall Resident

Effects of Crossroads

I can share my personal thoughts on this topic and ask that you consider researching some of the other neighborhoods that have gone through the redevelopment process.
I suggest you take a look at City Heights, North Park, Normal Heights, University Heights for similar projects.

I think redevelopment may be our only option to improve the quality of our surrounding areas. Much of the area south of El Cajon has been neglected as development pushed north of the 8 freeway.

The theory behind redevelopment is that we'll get more money back into our community from property taxes (66% is often a number I hear quoted, as opposed to the standard 12%). With those types of numbers I can see a budget being created to give us the amenities that other neighborhoods enjoy.

One of the biggest concerns about redevelopment was the ''possibility'' of eminent domain (the city taking away homes). That issue has been dealt with and single family homes have been excluded from redevelopment. However, multiple family dwellings ''may'' fall under eminent domain. With that in mind, that ''may'' effect the apartments between Michael and Gayle Streets.Personally I believe that area deserves to be cleaned up and upgraded so that it fits into the surrounding family environment.

Recently, an advisory board was elected by residents the city identified as effected by the redevelopment project. That advisory board is now responsible as advisors to the type and priority of area projects.

I believe they're meant to have their recommendation together by November. The timeframe for the starting the project depends on how quickly a budget is created from property taxes.

Update

Crossroads is now law. It was put through with the eminent domain being pulled from single-family homes and condominiums, leaving other multi-family residences and commercial lots. The money will come from the taxes we are paying on the properties we all live in and use. These dollars have been going to the state, with the minor exception of 16%. Now all increases within the prop 13 limits and new values due to sales will come to Crossroads specifically at the rate of 67% of the tax increment dollars. I'll state again to be very clear these are increases that you have had since prop 13 NOT NEW ONES! The project area committee, or PAC, has been set in place for the duration of the redevelopment. This is new to redevelopment since the PAC is usually dissolved after the third year. The PAC consists of 15 members from the various interests of businesses, owners, tenants and community groups.

As for the apartments on Streamview Drive, they have improved a lot since another redevelopment project came through for them. It is now up to the tenants and owners to keep them nice and improve them, so it is nice to live in. The council would like to help in any way we can, as well as see more people from the apartments at the meetings since this is your neighborhood too.