FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 17, 2021

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO The City of San Diego received notice from the State of California that the proposed Sports Arena development is likely in violation of the Surplus Land Act (SLA). Mayor Todd Gloria has committed to expeditiously beginning a new bid process for the Sports Arena site that prioritizes affordable housing and complies with state law.

This is yet another example of a flawed real estate deal from the previous administration where San Diegans are now left with little to show for a significant investment of time and resources, Mayor Gloria said. I am committed to work quickly to restart this process in compliance with

the Surplus Land Act. It is critical that we do not squander this once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a modern arena through a process that prioritizes the affordable housing our region desperately needs.

After the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released its final guidelines for the SLA in April, the City of San Diego requested a review of the Sports Arena development plan. HCDs letter stated that it had concluded that the City may be in violation of the SLA because it did not properly follow the acts declaration and noticing procedures.

Mayor Gloria intends to bring an item before the City Council next month to restart the process.

The Sports Arena redevelopment area encompasses approximately 48 acres in the Midway-Pacific Highway Community area. In 2010, the City of San Diego and local community members began updating the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan, which serves as a blueprint for the future development of the neighborhood. The plan envisions the Sports Arena Community Village, which would incorporate a mix of entertainment, office, retail, residential, public and park uses.

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