Introduction:
The Mid-City
Transit Interchanges Project (MCTIP), in partnership with local government
agencies, has actively pursued methods to insure that the new Route
15 freeway becomes an asset to those communities adjacent to its path.
The new parks set an example. The developments that have occurred
(and those planned) next to the new interchanges have been designed
with community input, and set an example for more to follow.
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The
Concept
Tiers
For purposes of evaluating the physical, social, and economic characteristics
of the area three geographic tiers have been described. The smallest
includes the 20 blocks immediately adjacent to the freeway (Tier 1),
while Tier 2 includes the area between Meade and Wightman, and I-805
to Fairmount. The third tier includes all of the greater Mid-City,
and is included for purposes of evaluating the social and economic
characteristics of the area.
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Regional
Activity
While most of the MCTIP activity occurs in the Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas
there have been discussions about connecting the area to greater San
Diego. The Route 15 freeway was designed with a wide centerline so that
public transit could be constructed in the median. This service could
connect the Mid-City to South Bay, downtown, and the job centers of
Kearney Mesa and Sorrento Mesa. Also, there are currently studies occurring
regarding building a bus rapid transit line along El Cajon Boulevard,
connecting San Diego State University to downtown via the Boulevard.
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Bridge
Decks
With a grant of $4 million, the two wide freeway bridges will receive
transit-related improvements in 2004 including shelters, kiosks, and
noise reduction enhancements. Each bridge will have its own character,
and each will be embellished with public art components.
 
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Development
Activity
Several projects have been completed and others are planned. Most
are smaller, with the Metro Career Center and its housing component
being the largest in Tier 1, occupying a full block at the northwest
corner of the Route 15 freeway and University Avenue. Developers have
expressed interest in larger sites for larger projects but the need
to assemble land, and the cost of land, have made it difficult so
far to make these type of projects work. Also, the BIAs are sensitive
to supporting existing businesses and needs to insure that they are
either relocated in the vicinity or incorporated into new projects.
Housing
There is a need for additional housing in this already dense community
including better and more modern affordable housing, and for market
rate housing in order to have a better balance. The areas adjacent
to the freeways and along the major east/west streets have been identified
as potential locations.
Employment
Part of the consulting work to date has looked at the employment patterns
in the area. First, there are more people in the labor force than
there are jobs in the Mid-City. This speaks to the need to create
more jobs in the area. Second, the need to get to jobs causes increased
traffic congestion for those that drive to work, and causes even more
frustration for those without automobiles because transit service
from the area to job centers is either non-existent or takes substantially
longer than it does for those with cars.
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