MAYOR JERRY SANDERS
FACT SHEET

Mayor Applauds Two San Diego Communities For Receiving Sustainability Recognition.

August 31, 2010
Mayor Jerry Sanders congratulated the San Diego communities of The Village at Market Creek and Quarry Falls (Civita) for being chosen as "models of sustainability" by the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Only 11 other communities in the state received this recognition – and San Diego is the only city with two communities on the list.

"These two communities are perfect examples of using thoughtful planning to create places where people can live and thrive in a way that also protects the environment," Mayor Sander said.

By earning this recognition, the 13 California communities will receive a total of $9.3 million in state money earmarked for affordable housing and infrastructure. Each of these communities will also stand a better chance of receiving future state grants for a wide range of projects ranging from transportation to housing to parks.

The state’s housing department chose the 13 communities as part of its Catalyst Projects for California Sustainable Strategies Pilot Program. The idea is to encourage communities to develop in ways that reduce harmful impacts to the environment.

The Village at Market Creek -- a network of residential, commercial and cultural projects in the Diamond Neighborhoods section of southeastern San Diego – earned a Gold designation as a Catalyst Project. The Village promotes walking and use of public transportation through its pedestrian trails and proximity to the Euclid Transit Station. Future development plans call for using drought-tolerant landscaping, recycled building materials and solar power, among other things.

"What makes our project truly sustainable is that the work is planned, implemented and owned by the residents themselves," said Jennifer Vanica, President & CEO of the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, a non-profit group that helped develop the community.

Quarry Falls (Civita) -- a planned 230-acre Mission Valley site that will contain mix of residential and commercial space – earned a Bronze designation as a Catalyst Project. Plans for the project include an advanced storm-water filtration system, streets and sidewalks that enhance pedestrian mobility and a bridge that provides an easy walk to the trolley. Developers are also exploring the possibility of using reclaimed water for the community’s irrigation needs.

"We’re humbled just to get an opportunity to be listed with some many other great projects that are going to shape the future of development in California," said Marco Sessa, senior vice president of Sudberry Properties Inc., the developer of the project

ALEX ROTH
Deputy Press Secretary
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders