I’ve lived in University Heights for nine years. I was born and raised in San Diego, and my wife and I hope to raise a family here too. But like many people our age, we’ve had some hard conversations about whether that’s realistic. Even with two steady incomes, the cost of housing makes it tough to see a future here.
That’s why I support San Diego Unified School District’s proposal to build workforce housing on its properties — especially the large, underused site at 4100 Normal Street, right here in University Heights. This is a rare opportunity to create much-needed housing in a neighborhood that’s already well-suited for it, and to give teachers and school staff a real shot at living where they work.
Some neighbors have raised concerns — about building height, parking, and how this will change the area. I get that. People want growth that feels thoughtful and consistent with the character of the neighborhood. But that doesn’t mean we should shy away from bold solutions. There’s a path forward that addresses those concerns without gutting the potential of this project.
The truth is, housing costs are pushing educators out. A typical San Diego Unified teacher earns somewhere between the mid-$60,000s and $140,000, depending on experience. Yet homeownership here can eat up nearly half of even the higher end of that salary. The result? Many teachers can’t afford to live near their schools. Some commute from outside the county. Others just leave the profession.
That kind of instability hurts students. When educators live nearby, it leads to smaller class sizes, consistent instruction, and stronger ties to the community. Stable housing isn’t just good for teachers — it’s good for kids.
This project isn’t a handout; it’s a smart investment. By mixing affordable and market-rate units, the development can support itself financially and still prioritize school workers who need housing most. The more homes we build, the more impact we can have.
University Heights is one of the best places in the city for this kind of project. It’s walkable, transit-connected, and packed with essentials — from grocery stores and pharmacies to coffee shops and bus lines. We don’t need to shoehorn in a parking space for every unit. Less parking means more homes and lower costs.
And yes, we should talk about height and scale — but let’s be real. Taller buildings already exist nearby. We shouldn’t kneecap a project meant to solve real problems just because of outdated assumptions about what “fits.”
This isn’t about transforming the neighborhood beyond recognition. It’s about making space for the people who help it thrive. The Normal Street site gives us a rare shot to do something meaningful — for educators, families, and the future of San Diego. Let’s not waste it.
Zack Defazio-Farrell a member of the pro-housing YIMBY Democrats of San Diego. He has lived in University Heights for nine years.
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