Something’s Got to Change!
It’s time to clean up Hillcrest!
Homelessness is rampant, the police do not respond to most issues, street lights are out, and trash is littering our streets and sidewalks. Waiting for the City to fix these issues isn’t working. It’s time to take action to change this environment.
We all see it daily and it’s time to clean up Hillcrest.
It’s time for less of this…
… And more of this.
The Greater Hillcrest Community Benefit District (often called a Maintenance Assessment District) is a property-based assessment district that will fund special benefit services over and above what the City of San Diego provides in the public right of way.
A Clean and Safe Program funded in this way has worked in Little Italy, La Jolla, and North Park~ why is Hillcrest being left behind?
All property owners in the district will contribute their fair share to the Greater Hillcrest Community Benefit District and it will fund many neighborhood improvements.
“Over the last five years I have seen serious challenges in Hillcrest. Something needs to change and in times like these, Hillcrest folks pull together. We need to pool our resources and address these issues.”
News articles about challenges in Hillcrest.
“Couple details violent encounter…” 10 News
”Long standing Starbucks in hillcrest is closing” NBC San Diego
”Crime in San Diego on the Rise…” San Diego Union Tribune.
”Hillcrest: Gayborhood or Ghetto” SD Reader.
”Street homeless… surging in San Diego” Voice of San Diego.
“I’ve have seen my neighborhood change from a vibrant community to one of increased trash, and crime. As a single woman, I don’t feel comfortable walking alone, sometimes even in the day time. The time for change is now and I’m happy to pay my fair share. We can be as vibrant as Little Italy.”
Will I be in the District?
The proposed Greater Hillcrest Clean and Safe District is an expansion of several older districts created decades ago. The maps below show what properties will be within the district.
What will I receive?
Daily security patrols and homeless engagement teams will connect homeless people to services and will address anti-social behavior. These strategies have worked in Little Italy and North Park.
Daily sidewalk trash pick-up and trash-can emptying will provide a clean environment for our customers. North Park, Downtown, Little Italy, and even Ocean Beach benefit from this kind of service.
Monthly steam cleaning of sidewalks throughout the district will make sure our neighborhood shines. This has worked to keep neighborhoods like La Jolla clean.
Administrative costs will be capped at 10%.
“My family has owned properties in Hillcrest for two generations. I have seen Hillcrest decline and struggle where other neighborhoods, like Little Italy and La Jolla, have flourished because of these kind of districts.”
What will I pay?
“A condo in the Atlas Building will pay the equivalent of 3.2 Starbucks pumpkin spiced lattes a month to provide a clean and safe neighborhood.”
The Baja Betty’s building will only pay $2,551.44 per year. That’s only $212.62 or 15 margaritas per month.
The Fifth and University Bank building will only pay $11,188.08 per year. That’s only $933 or 3 coffee tables per month from their ground floor retail store.
“These assessments are entirely reasonable when compared to the cost of customers leaving, businesses closing their doors, and declining property values relative to other neighborhoods.”
Special benefit districts have a track record of success.
Districts like this have been successful at improving many neighborhoods in San Diego and throughout the nation. Ever wonder why La Jolla's sidewalks are so clean? They have a special district. North Park has a team of homeless specialists that connect folks living on the streets to services outside of the neighborhood. This program is paid for by a special district. The proposed Greater Hillcrest Clean and Safe Program was developed by the folks who have made Little Italy what it is today, New City America.
If clean and safe programs have worked in Little Italy, North Park, and La Jolla, why not Hillcrest?
This is a proposal of the Hillcrest Business Association. The HBA is a nonprofit organization that has worked to improve Hillcrest for over 100 years. The HBA is responsible for the creation of the Hillcrest Sign, the Hillcrest Pride Flag, and Mural Alley. The HBA hosts the Hillcrest Farmers Market, CityFest, and other events like the Taste of Hillcrest. This proposal has worked in other neighborhoods and it’s not right that Hillcrest is left behind.