Balboa Park May Get a Makeover

Balboa Park, one of San Diego's most historic landmarks, may be changing its look.

More than 100 people gathered in Balboa Park on Saturday, to discuss a proposed $33 million project.

Part of the plan includes eliminating vehicle traffic to the park's historic Plaza de Panama, which would be similar to how it looked when it was first built in 1915.

However, in order to reroute traffic, the current plan involves altering the Cabrillo bridge.

Many at the meeting supported getting rid of traffic, but are worried about changing the bridge and building new roads.

"It is the crown jewel of San Diego, and we don't want to do anything that's short-sighted or to compromise what makes it," said Dan Soderberg, a park project opponent.
 
The plan also includes a three-story parking garage with a roof-top garden.

The Balboa Park Committee will eventually vote on a final plan.

Planners would like to have the project completed by 2015, in time for the 100-year celebration of the Panama-California Exposition.

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