La Mesa, CA (May 14, 2008) – Longtime La Mesa community members,
the Kitzman family, today submitted an application to build a new
smart growth community called Park Station at the Crossroads of La
Mesa. This mixed-use project, less than a five minute walk to the La
Mesa Boulevard Trolley Station, will be located in the heart of downtown
between Baltimore Drive and Spring Street, offering local residents and
business owners a variety of amenities and services.
The project will complement the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the
downtown area, which already includes a new fire station and library (currently
in construction), as well as plans for a new police station that will
begin construction later this year. The project could include a wide variety
of uses, such as retail, office and commercial improvements in the community.
Retail and housing opportunities are being considered to appeal
to young professionals, working families and seniors. New ground floor
shopping and restaurants are planned along Baltimore Drive, as well.
“The Kitzman family has been invested in the La Mesa community for
nearly100 years,” said site owner Joseph Kitzman. “Our family is dedicated
to improving the quality of life for La Mesa residents by creating
a sustainable and walkable community that features many community
services and amenities, such as a 50,000-square-foot park with a children’s
playground.” |
The project will also provide the local economy with a boost at a time
when the city is struggling with a budget crunch due to a decrease in sales
tax revenue. The new community could generate about $500,000 annually
in sales and property taxes for city services such as police and fire protection,
parks and libraries. It could create roughly 100 permanent jobs. In
addition, if a hotel (one of the options being considered) is included in the
project, more than $1 million will be generated in transit occupancy taxes.
“It is our goal to provide local residents with an opportunity to live, work
and play in downtown La Mesa,” said Kitzman. “This project will meet
this need while promoting a healthy lifestyle through environmentally
friendly materials, designs and sustainable features.”
Park Station at the Crossroads of La Mesa will feature drought resistant
landscaping consisting of primarily native and adaptable plant species,
resulting in virtually no use of potable water for irrigation. Other green
elements of the project will include Energy Star rated appliances and ultra-
low-flush toilets, faucets and water conserving appliances in all buildings.
In addition, the project practices Construction Waste Management, meaning
it reduces waste put in landfills by recycling or salvaging at least 50
percent of construction and demolition waste.
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