Courtesy of Jemma Samala based on information presented at UCCA’s November community meeting:
UTC Transit
Westfield UTC Construction Update: John Alderson, VP Development for Westfield, gave an update on the construction project at the Westfield UTC Center during the November University City Community Association meeting. Alderson says the project is on schedule to be completed on October 12, 2017. While he admits that the project “looks ugly now”, he reassures those in attendance that when completed Westfield UTC will be a “state of the art architectural piece”. The updated center will have almost 100 new stores and restaurants, including a signature dining courtyard at the corner of Genesee and La Jolla Village Drive shaded by olive trees.
By October 2017, we will see construction of a new two-story 145,000 square foot Nordstrom, an Apple flagship store, and a new Anthropologie concept store. Future Westfield UTC tenant space is currently 86% committed and includes a full range of stores in all price ranges.
The project also includes development of a 300-unit, 22-story, self- contained apartment tower. Westfield UTC has taken into account local concerns during the planning stages, resulting in keeping of the Torrey Pine trees already planted. Their environmental conservation methods include planting all sustainable and non-invasive landscaping, using 100% reclaimed water, and being at SDGE’s maximum solar capacity. Alderson will be keeping the community updated throughout the remaining 11 months until opening. Until then, for more info, go to https://www.westfield.com/utc/development/vision.
SANDAG/Mid-Coast Trolley Update: Greg Gastelum, Mid-Coast Project Development Program Manager, provided a presentation on the “UC San Diego” Trolley Line. An extension of the Blue Line, once completed, it will run all the way to the U.S./Mexico border. At an estimated cost of $2.17 billion, the project plans to be in operation by 2021.
In the UC area, there will be stops along the 5 freeway corridor at Nobel Drive and the VA Medical Center, then into UCSD West at Pepper Canyon, then UCSD east of the 5 freeway at Voight Drive, heading south to Executive Drive, and ending (or starting) at the Westfield UTC Terminus. Once running, service is expected to operate between 6:00am to 11:00pm, in 15 minute cycles. The goal is to eventually run 7 1⁄2 minute cycles.
Construction and security concerns were brought up. Gastelum noted that all construction projects in the UTC area are in communication via the SHIFT program, which includes coordination to reduce traffic impact. Evening lighting concerns will also be addressed. As far as security issues, the attendees were reassured that security needs will be constantly assessed, and they will be working with both UCSD Campus and Westfield UTC security departments. Station work will begin in 2017. For more info about the project, and to see the project map, go to http://keepsandiegomoving.com/Midcoast/midcoast-intro.aspx
The next UCCA meeting is Wednesday, January 11, 6:00pm at the University Community Library, 4155 Governor Drive. All are invited to attend.
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