Locals in Point Loma Say β€œNo” to New Homes

Opponents say the owners have been turned down by the community planning group numerous times in almost a decade

A dispute over proposed development on a Point Loma hillside will head to the San Diego City Council next week.

A group of Point Loma residents is fighting the addition of three homes to a 1.45 acre estate just blocks from the ocean.

The land, known to locals as Point Loma Summit, was once owned by Joseph E. Jessop.

A founding member of the San Diego Maritime Museum, Jessop helped bring the Star of India to San Diego.

He built a home on La Crescentia Drive in 1929 and lived there until his death in 1996.

Now, the owners of the property want to keep Jessop’s original home and add three others to the land.

The San Diego Planning Commission approved the proposal in June 2014.

However, a neighborhood group known as Preserve Point Loma is concerned the development goes against city code and doesn't follow proper safety regulations.

Group co-chair Marcie Rothman said they are worried this development will set a new standard for future projects that won't have to meet city building regulations.

Rothman said the cliff is made of sandstone which could raise safety concerns during rainy weather. She also said there is no fire access to all homes using the existing driveway on the property.

The proposal approved by the planning commission requires three water stand pipes be added to the property to allow connections for firefighters when necessary.

There are other requirements involving off-street parking, solar energy and building height.

Preserve Point Loma has 700 signatures of people against the development, Rothman said.

City Councilmembers will consider both sides when they meet Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.

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