|
2024 General Election Mayoral and City Council Candidate Q&A
Candidates for District 3
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn - Did not respond
Coleen Cusack
 1. Currently, the city is undertaking an initiative called Preservation and Progress, that aims to "modernize historic property regulations" to "preserve important places," and "streamline new home construction."
What are your preliminary thoughts on the initiative?
Coleen Cusack: Some preliminary thoughts: significance is in the eye of the beholder, as is beauty and can have many underpinnings, including who once lived there, what happened under its roof, how it came to be built and its origins as a community.
As an educator and policy wonk history matters immensely. It's not enough just to relegate to the history books, but instead to have tangible places people can see interwoven with an acclimation to the needs of its present population. This helps connect its people to the community through sense of longevity and prosperity.
As to: the removing regulations for buildings, "that lack historical or cultural importance." that makes sense provided we have a process in place assured to arrive at a fair assessment of that importance.
If elected, will you work directly with the preservation community to oversee this initiative?
Coleen Cusack: Yes
Please elaborate
I will certainly take an active role, not just as a councilmember, but as a resident of San Diego for 34 years and of the district for 28 years, as I wax reminiscent for a bygone era, enjoy seeing the placards around town at the houses where I am campaigning and asking the occupants about its history, and enjoy seeing sites like the North Park Post Office retain vestiges of the past in a building now with apartments and a charming pizza restauranteur.
I am a doer, demanding government work for its people and that will not change.
And I would want to oversee to ensure that the equity goals are being met, and marginalized populations are being served.
2. The Preservation and Progress initiative lacks rigorous, research-based studies on the real impacts of historic preservation. San Diego has never conducted a comprehensive professional analysis of how historic preservation affects its affordable housing, equity, and climate goals. City officials are attempting to address these issues without a clear economic or broader perspective to guide them.
The city currently maintains a historic preservation fund of approximately $90,000. SOHO, alongside the Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition—which comprises over a dozen groups and organizations—has proposed that these funds be allocated to this study.
2a. Would you commission a citywide economic study and analysis of historic preservation, as other major cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Antonio have done?
Coleen Cusack: Maybe
Why or why not?
Coleen Cusack: I'm an educator. I believe not only in history, but in math and science. It's essential we use best evidence to avoid replicating mistakes others have made. On the other hand, I would want to look at the other demands on these funds for possible prioritization. San Diego residents are tired of studies that do not lead to later action so I would want to see the timeline, and perhaps encourage private financing or academic support and grant funding to cover the study.
2b. Would you do this study before making any changes to the current ordinance?
Coleen Cusack: Yes
Please explain
Coleen Cusack: First things first. I believe in making the best informed decision as a representative of District 3. Show me the studies.
3. The reuse of older buildings benefits the City’s climate action and housing priorities while supporting historic preservation, neighborhood revitalization, and a circular economy.
What are your views on promoting adaptive reuse projects of our historic buildings to preserve cultural identity while integrating sustainable practices?
Coleen Cusack: Very much in favor. What better sustainable practice could their be than in the sustainability of its people? We have a housing crisis of epic proportions and building new homes is one response but not the only response. We should be adaptively reusing our history's heritage to help our history's people and in so doing, preserve cultural identity.
A large part of our homeless problem and a known gap in the system is the lack of shelter for our cities' disabled homeless population. One of the hindrances is that since the shelters in use were built pre-1990, they haven't been adapted for ADA accommodation. I would like to see the buildings instead of remaining vacant and empty, be purposed for use, resilience and contribute to the vibrancy of the city.
How would you encourage the repurposing of historic buildings for modern uses without compromising their architectural integrity and cultural significance?
Coleen Cusack: As an advocate for housing rights and for homeless persons, brand new construction will not help to reduce chronic homelessness or visible street homelessness anytime soon. upgrading existing buildings to make them ADA compliant, permitting use for the immediate needs of San Diegans, converting office space to SROs as persons switch to work from home. We have history in our buildings as well as in our people. Combining the two, to have a meaningful increase in extremely low and very low affordable housing options, would help preserve the rich history of both our people and our buildings. I don't know much about architectural integrity so I'd rely on the experts to advise. Similarly, the experts on cultural significance is of course the community, and they should be provided a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the process.
4. Massive new development in older neighborhoods often tears down the existing Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) in the form of vintage homes, bungalow courts, and small apartments. The city does not currently address historic buildings in its NOAH plan.
What would you do to make sure that the city’s NOAH plans include and prioritize historic housing?
Coleen Cusack: I am a 26-year resident of existing NOAH in a vintage apartment. My sister is residing in one of only four properties in North Park remaining that was built with a kit from the local lumberyard. It would be a shame if either of our properties were replaced and we were thrust into the market such as it is. There should be protections for the tenants and they should have right of first refusal on the new units, built, and city-wide guidelines in place to help connect the past to the present in the design.
5. Despite extensive rhetoric about making housing more affordable, the Mills Act remains San Diego’s only effective incentive for achieving this goal. However, the City of San Diego's designation process poses a significant barrier for those with limited income to apply for designation, as in most cases, homes must be restored first before they can qualify. This prerequisite makes the process financially prohibitive for many. Additionally, the high degree of physical integrity required of the structure to apply for the Mills Act has made the process onerous. This requirement is counter to the reason the Mills Act was enacted and tends to penale those with lesser means who seek to preserve their historic homes.
How would you propose ensuring that everyone has equal access to the benefits of historic designation and the potential property tax relief program?
Coleen Cusack: Encouragement of Community Land Trusts where non-profits assist in the restoration and other incentives in exchange for deed-restricting units for affordable housing. Also should have a set aside where a portion of the sale of luxury construction goes toward helping those of low income restore their properties, provided they do so without displacing low-income tenancies.
I've spent three decades fighting for the rights of the indigent to have equal access to justice.
Do you support the Mills Act as a means to assist with the cost of restoration and rehabilitation of historic homes?
Coleen Cusack: Maybe
6. Many historic district designations have been languishing in city offices for decades, with the city offering a myriad of excuses for refusing to advance them.
6a. Will you actively advocate for the designation of neighborhoods with pending historic district status applications at the Historical Resources Board (HRB)?
Coleen Cusack: Yes
6b. Will you support neighborhoods seeking historic district status by urging the HRB to adhere to a specific, and reasonable timetable for making decisions?
Coleen Cusack: Yes
6c. Would you endorse a program to fast track these in an effort to create certainty for both the residents and the development community?
Coleen Cusack: Maybe
|
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
|
