Re “San Diego’s unpopular ADU incentive ‘has been exploited’ by developers, needs ‘guardrails,’ planners say” (May 1): From the perspective of a San Diego native and independent real estate appraiser in San Diego for 45-plus years, it is apparent that the issues resulting from the ill-advised ADU policies are self-inflicted and more than likely intentional. The San Diego City Council reflects a certain philosophy and enacts policies to implement that philosophy, despite what residents favor. To now say that the rules “have been exploited” is inaccurate and disingenuous.
From my experience with the applicable zoning, planning and inspection process pertaining to residential development, the potential damage caused to individual neighborhoods was foreseeable and unavoidable. The focus of the City Council was its development goal and not maintaining a harmonious community environment that residents chose and often spent their life savings to achieve. Attempts to mitigate this damage will be difficult but necessary.
— Mike Broder, La Mesa
