The meeting was designed to further explore three alternatives being discussed for the next 22 years of development in downtown San Diego. The three proposed scenarios are Alternative 1: Concentrated Office Core, Maximum Residential; Alternative 2: Double Multi-Use Cores, Expanded Residential Area; and Alternative 3: Large Multi-Use Core, Waterfront Retail District. In an attempt to garner further input from San Diego residents and stakeholders, the participants at last week's workshop were asked to fill out questionnaires related to these three alternatives and the community plan update that is currently being drafted.

The questionnaire responses reflected much of the attitudes expressed at the first workshop held on May 17th, in which open space and waterfront access were deemed extremely important. The results of the questionnaire show that Alternative 1 is the overall preferred scenario; while both Alternatives 1 and 2 are favored for their ability to create advantageous business environment, as well as cultural areas. Alternative 2 is also preferred for its intent of creating neighborhood character, amenities, walkability and new development; building parks; and replacing the railroad yard maintenance facilities with residential units. Alternative 3 is favored for its waterfront scale and retail district.

Now that both workshops have been held, "the community plan will be prepared in a draft form, which will then be presented in July 2003," says Michelle Brega of LJ Black Consulting Group, the public outreach consultant involved with the project. Brega tells GlobeSt.com that after the community plan is presented; the redevelopment plan, environmental impact report and plan district ordinances will be put together. All will have to go through a public review period, and then everything will be presented to the San Diego City Council for a vote in June 2004.