In a unanimous vote, with Council member Phil Ortiz absent, El Cajon City Council directed staff to move forward with the appraisal of a 32-acre property near Gillespie Field.
Located at Weld Boulevard, the property is owned by San Diego County.
Council approved an allocation of up to $40,000 for appraisal services for the vacant property.
City Manager Graham Mitchell said to have an informed conversation with the County about its purchase, that an appraisal is necessary as staff does not know its value, especially with limitations from the Federal Aviation Administration, and the limitations from the recently adopted Working Families Ordinance adopted by the County.
Staff stated that the WFO “saps the economic viability of the property,” and “hinders its development.” The staff report stated that the property creates blight, impedes economic development and job creation, which could be utilized by the city. It is the last large undeveloped industrial park in the City.
Funding for appraisal is from unspent American Rescue Act Plan funding from the business grant program. Mitchell said staff would come back after the appraisal and get direction from Council on proceeding in negotiating with the County.
