It wasn’t that long ago when some of Chula Vista’s leaders used to wistfully daydream that the city’s historic downtown could/should emulate some of the more vibrant communities to the north.
This was before the influx of beer halls, snazzy cafes and eateries that attracted the occasional crowds that populate Third Avenue these days. It was when the arrival of a tattoo parlor caused a moral scandal among the areas more righteous inhabitants.
The Gaslamp Quarter received passing mention as a neighborhood that had undergone a monumental transformation by incorporating mixed-use housing while encouraging investment from the business community.
But more often than not it was Little Italy that was held up as the gold standard of success stories. Why couldn’t the Third Avenue Village be more like that downtown San Diego enclave?
The sidewalks bustle with consumer activity as tourists and residents make their way along the historic thoroughfare, popping into restaurants and boutique retailers or just casually strolling along with friends as they walk their jaunty little terriers or hustle off to yoga class.
Little Italy’s growth and transformation has been a boon for developers and business owners and the neighborhood’s walkability makes shopping easy, albeit a smidgen pricey at times.
It’s also appears to have been a blessing to those who operate parking lots there, as parking—metered of course—is always at a premium, which makes visiting Little Italy a chore for those living outside walking distance.
As for the people who live there but are not fortunate enough to own their home, about 75% according to some surveys, fortune is in the eye of the beholder.
The average monthly rent for an apartment there is $2,400. One rental unit tracking website suggests that’s a few hundred dollars more than what you would pay in Chula Vista.
Neighborhood upgrades come with a price. It’s not just the developers who pay the costs. And remember, they eventually make money on the deals.
The people who live in, near or plan to visit those neighborhoods also pay the cost for redevelopment. What and how much they are willing to pay is something voters should keep in mind when visiting polls in a couple of weeks.
