The Rancho Penasquitos Planning Board has given the go-ahead to a housing development that will cut low-income housing in the area.
A vote was taken Wednesday night after the board heard dozens of community members in opposition to the project.
Right now, the area known as PQ Village provides low-income housing. There are 332 units on the land.
The new development will have 600 apartments, condos, and single-family homes. The units will cost from mid-$400,000 through mid-$600,000 to purchase.
There will be a dog park, amenities, and playgrounds for kids. The apartments will rent out starting at $1,500 a month to upper $2,000’s. There will be 27 low-income units in the new complex.
At Wednesday night's meeting, developers said the price will still be affordable for many.
"The owners, both APP (Atlantic Pacific Properties) and Lennar have complied with every legal requirement imposed upon them as owners and developers. That’s what they intend to do for the next 40 years as they have for the past 40 years, is to be good neighbors," said Kenneth Lounsbery, attorney for Lennar Homes.
But many residents will have to move.
Peter Gabriala, along with his wife and daughter, have lived in PQ Village for five years. He told NBC 7, the new apartments will be too costly so they are looking for somewhere else to live.
"It's so hard now, especially on apartments. If you can see the rate of the apartment, it's killing the people," he said.
The board's recommendation will now go to San Diego’s Planning Commission and then be presented to the City Council for consideration.
Councilmembers will most likely take up the proposal in the fall.
