Notes from Stephen Whitburn Meeting 7-9-2025
A group of interested community members from Vibrant Uptown, Hillcrest Business Association and a planning consultant meet with Stephen Whitburn (City Council D3) to fill them in on our work to revive the streetcars as viable transportation connecting the neighborhoods around Balboa Park .The discussion was a lively 30 minute briefing that covered a lot of ground. A few key discussion points:
We discussed the rationale for the project and the need to accelerate mobility solutions givent he significant growth in these neighborhoods.
We discussed progress to date in meeting with various neighborhood Community Planning Groups and the positive response we have been hearing. These meetings will continue as well as adding in other community town councils and neighborhood associations.
We discussed propose routes as well as rationale for route selection (focus on business and residential districts)
The meeting with SANDAG representatives and their recommendations were presented.
Possible funding needs and sources were discussed.
SANDAG would need $500K to start the initial planning process. Funding should demonstrate community engagement
Uptown parking district has included this as one possible use of parking revenue as a way to offset parking shortages
The need for Federal and/or state grants will need to be evaluated
There are community charitable foundations whose mission includes this kind of urban revival and investment. The group will reach out to these at an appropriate time.
The creation of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) involving the affected neighborhoods would allow potential capture of incremental tax e (not new taxes) to repay construction bonds. The opportunity cost (what would this tax revenue have been used for if not this) needs to be assessed.
Other organizations to be engaged include MTS for possible involvement or operations?
The group will keep the council member and his office apprised on progress as this moves forward.
