City Pursuing a Theater in Riverview Development

Just north of Trolley Square lies two plots of land just waiting to be developed- and the City of Santee is looking to fill the void with all sorts of stuff, including housing, shopping, a and even a college (see conceptual maps in the media box).

One of the main discussions at the concerned concepts and ideas circulating around how to develop the Riverview site; the campus is the only occupant now.

A plan for the Riverview area was put forward in 2006, and applications for building residential housing were submitted to the city in 2007 and 2008, but the applications were withdrawn due to the economic slump in 2008, according to Till.

The issue of developing on the site wasn't brought up again until last week's , where a new proposal was shown.

City Manager Keith Till laid out a summary of ideas being proposed, and asked the council to consider if these development concepts are consistent with the Riverview Plan envisioned in 2006.

That plan included "a mixed-use area that will include both high density residential as well as a regional entertainment complex."

The plan also includes a "strong pedestrian connection established between Trolley Square, all three portions of the mixed use development and the .”

The new proposal includes 190 apartments on the 6.7 acre plot, which could be up to a five story building and 28 units-per-acre density. This area would be mixed-use with theater, office and residential components, which rings true with the original concept of a "residential area envisioned as a high-density, urban environment."

The city is seriously considering allowing a private college to develop on the 12 acre parcel, including classrooms, possible student housing, an athletic complex.

The city won't confirm that the private college in discussion is San Diego Christian College, which earlier this year . Mayor Randy Voepel was against this idea at that time, and said the nonprofit would not be a good fit because it would not generate necessary  for the city. But, he was absent at the meeting due to vacation.

Till did confirm that the city is currently "pursuing a theater" as part of the development.

Till indicated that the presentation was meant to update the council and gain their approval to move forward with the concepts in discussion.

"We can't act on anything specific, because we don't have anything specific," said Till. 

Amongst those unspecific ideas, outfitting the new development with is being discussed.

Councilmember made it clear that "developers must seamlessly collaborate to make a unique, uniform project." He also added that he's not interested in dormitory type living to be developed.

Councilmember and real estate agent said he doesn't like the idea of more than 300 residential units and that he wants to see shops on the bottom floor and mixed use throughout.

"The last thing I want is something that looks like project housing," he said.

The council decided the proposal and concepts should move forward, with updates as the proposed development changes.