Why this matters
Bonita residents say a proposed self-storage facility would take over a beloved recreational space.
By Hannah Psalma Ramirez, a community reporting intern at inewsource
A proposal to build a new self-storage facility in southern San Diego County is drawing opposition from neighbors.
West Coast Development plans to build more than 1,000 storage units on vacant land on Quarry Road in Bonita. The project was approved in a split vote at the county’s Planning Commission meeting in December.
Now, the Sweetwater Community Planning Group has filed an appeal, saying its members unanimously oppose the development and that the facility fails permit requirements to make the project compatible with the area — including consideration of the effects on “desirable neighborhood character” and more. The group also pointed to similar facilities already in close proximity.
“We don’t need more storage facilities,” resident Richard Scott said at the meeting. “We need homes, perhaps affordable housing, not places to store our junk.”
About 80 residents sent in comments during the project’s public review period, with many opposing the potential loss of open, natural space. Some also raised concerns about the project potentially attracting unhoused residents and lowering the values of neighboring properties.
The property is known by residents for its recreational hiking trail area that resides near a community park, golf course and horse stables.
“As a avid walker/ hiker (and often with my children in tow) we would be devastated to see our open space be converted to storage facilities,” Parisa Hill, a Bonita resident, wrote in opposition to the project.
“Especially as we have a soft spot for the Sunnyside stables as we ride our bikes to visit the horses. This farm would be negatively impacted by the construction, operation and regular visits of storage unit tenants.”
The storage facility would be built across nearly 5 acres — about the size of three football fields. It also would include access to community trails, an expanded parking lot and other improvements.
Tim Karp, the development manager for the self-storage facility, said at the Planning Commission meeting that the households they surveyed during community outreach were excited about the trail enhancements.
“Since the beginning of the project, we have been very heartfelt and listened to every comment that they have given us over four years. The design of the project is based on that,” Karp said.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the Sweetwater planning group’s appeal at an April 9 meeting, a county spokesperson said.
Michael Garrod, a Sweetwater planning group member, said that they plan to plead for the site to be used for housing instead.
This story came in part from reporting by Baron Castanares, a San Diego Documenter, at a Sweetwater Community Planning Group meeting last month. The Documenters program trains and pays community members to document what happens at public meetings. It’s run by inewsource, a nonpartisan nonprofit newsroom dedicated to investigative and accountability journalism. Read more about the program here.
Type of Content
Brief: An account of a public government proceeding, written and edited by the San Diego Documenters.