America’s “finest city” once again claims a dubious crown. Among the others: Rents higher than San Francisco and being named the country’s most unaffordable city. FINN, which offers cars on a subscription basis (I know, seriously), delivers another unwanted trophy: “San Diego, Calif., comes out as the worst city in the US for parking, with a measly score of just 0.66 out of 10”. Really, the score is that high? I would expect even lower.
San Diego government officials are convinced that increased population density is the cure to all the city’s problems with housing (Hillcrest and Mission Valley are expansion examples). Let’s see, more people mean more cars, thus less parking. Current zoning permits new residential construction without provided parking if within half-mile of public transit (e.g. city bus). More high-rises mean more people with cars and greater need for parking that isn’t. Then there are the bike lanes, which are being added everywhere and parking spots removed as accommodation.
So I am not exactly shocked by what’s happening, which already is a commonplace problem in my neighborhood of University Heights. Six years ago, when we moved to our current apartment, street parking was generally available. Even at the start of 2023, things weren’t dire. Eleven months later, street parking is jam-packed, while drivers circle about looking for spaces to squeeze into. Why is that? The city removed several hundred parking spots along Park Blvd and more to support new bike lanes. Then there are this year’s new high-rises—among them, 379-unit apartment building Winslow.
We are fortunate enough to rent where a parking space is provided. Many of my neighbors—and some in this building with two vehicles—must scour streets for places to park. What’s the situation when they want to go out with friends, say, to dinner? They call an Uber, since parking may be impossible or inordinately expensive at their destination and there be no place to street park upon their return.
Let’s dispense with the Featured Image, taken today using Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The view is along El Cajon Blvd towards Florida Street. Vitals: f/1.7, ISO 10, 1/500 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 12:23 p.m. PST.