Media Release

For Immediate Release

Environmental Health Coalition Leaders Celebrate
Long-Awaited Funding of Barrio Logan Plan

Centre City Development Corporation Board approves up to
$1.5 million to fund comprehensive community plan update

(January 31, 2007) – San Diego, California. Environmental Health Coalition leaders from Barrio Logan celebrated this morning as the Centre City Development Corporation Board of Directors granted final approval of up to $1.5 million in funding for the long-awaited and long-delayed Barrio Logan community plan update.

“I’m very happy that CCDC has finally given the funds for a new plan so that we can have a clean, toxic-free neighborhood with more affordable housing,” said Maria Martinez, an EHC leader and resident of the Mercado Apartments in Barrio Logan.

Barrio Logan’s community plan—one of the City of San Diego’s oldest—has not been updated since 1978. After years of promises and delays, residents took planning into their own hands. The result was the Barrio Logan Vision, now endorsed by over 1000 area residents, 28 community organizations and 16 local businesses. EHC will advocate for the community plan update to be consistent with the Barrio Logan Vision.

In May 2006, concerned EHC leaders met with District 8 Councilmember Ben Hueso who made a clear commitment to start the community planning process. EHC appreciates his efforts to address this critical issue.

“CCDC’s contribution ensures that the planning process can start immediately. With funding finally secured, EHC will work with Barrio Logan residents to ensure that the new community plan will carry out the Barrio Logan Vision.” said Laura Benson, EHC Policy Advocate.

CCDC originally pledged financial support for the Barrio Logan plan at the urging of EHC and city leaders during the passage of the Downtown community plan update last year. Their contribution is part of CCDC’s “good neighbor” commitment to help address the impacts of downtown development in surrounding communities.