The highest and best land use recommendations summarized in this report were developed by students at San Diego State University in collaboration with the City of La Mesa. Students enrolled in Geography 572, instructed by David DeVries, AICP, and Graduate Assistant Miranda Evans, recommended highest and best land use development in Downtown La Mesa. Site plans were created for designated downtown commercial and mixed-use urban parcels. The two downtown commercial parcels are located at Nebo Drive and Palm Avenue, and the mixed-use urban parcel is located at Spring Street. All sites are adjacent to trolley stations or along transit corridors, encouraged by the City of La Mesa’s General Plan Transit-Oriented Development strategies. Observation through a site visit was conducted to better understand surrounding land uses, circulation, and overall physical and community characteristics. Thereafter, six focus groups were formed, with two groups per parcel. Land use analysis was imperative to the decision-making process, with an emphasis on smart growth and green design to support the future growth of La Mesa. Focus groups then determined which markets were currently underserved, and in compliance with the city’s General Plan, proposals were then shaped to better serve these markets. Proposals were produced for opportunity sites, including site plans, elevations, and property proformas. As a result, land use recommendations were made to meet the current and future demands of the City of La Mesa. The proposed projects include a mixed-use building, one trade school, and multiple mixed-use residential buildings. An emphasis on commercial and residential uses is recommended to intensify mixed use and density in these crucial transportation nodes in efforts to effectively mitigate adverse effects of traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
The Sage Project Contact Info
Kristofer Patron
Program Administrator
kpatron@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-0103
University Faculty Contact
Local Government / Community Contact