San Diego Unified School District trustees voted to build an apartment complex on the site of a charter school despite objections from parents and residents in Scripps Ranch.
Scripps Ranch residents say they worry about the impact high density housing will have on the area schools.
The proposed development is at the corner of Spring Canyon Road and Scripps Poway Parkway, where the Innovations Academy Charter School now operates. Approximately 365 students attend the school now, only 75 of whom could attend neighborhood schools if the charter school has to relocate.
At Tuesday night's meeting, trustees approved a 66-year lease with Monarch Development, out of Laguna Niguel, to build a four-story, 264 unit apartment complex on the property.
Residents say they need more schools in the area to accommodate the growing population, and building a high density apartment complex will only add to the congestion in the budding area.
Board members estimate the project will bring about $500,000 in revenue and savings to their annual budget.
“If you look at the big picture, this benefits the entire city providing more housing stock, more affordable housing stock, but it also provides needed revenue for the school district to help educate its students throughout the city," said Lee Dulgeroff, SDUSD Chief of Facilities Planning.
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The plan's opponents say they will take their fight to the San Diego City Council and California Board of Education. If necessary, they say they will sue the district to stop the proposal from moving forward.
