Vote to recommend approval of Midway Rising Project set for Thursday

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The Midway Rising Project could be one of the most consequential developments in San Diego’s modern history with the city and developers attempting to transform the entire area surrounding the Sports Arena into 2,000 units of affordable housing and 2,500 units of market rate housing along with a 16,000-seat modern sports entertainment venue replacing Pechanga Arena.

Margaret Virissimo, a community activist from Point Loma, will be at the planning hearing with her fellow residents who believe Midway Rising is bringing real concerns to local residents.

“We want answers as to how we got to this point, why it took so long and the communities are not being heard or listened to,” Virissimo said.

Virissimo says the city needs to adhere to the 30-foot height restrictions put in place decades ago.

“I would like the city to respect the original boundaries and measures that they put in place to protect the community,” Virissimo said.

Paul Nestor says he’s all for Midway Rising but worries about the thousands of people who make their money through Kobey's Swap Meet.

"Don’t tear it down right away, keep it as long as possible, because it’s one of the biggest swap meets in the country," Nestor said.

Virissimo says the push back on the project will be felt at city hall.

“I’m quite pleased with results of the groups that joined forces to keep the city accountable,” Virissimo said.

The planning meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Development Services Department in Mission Valley.