SAN DIEGO — A long-awaited plan to improve community health in Barrio Logan just got the green light from the California Commission. This plan includes everything from affordable housing to creating a buffer zone to separate residents from pollution created by the shipping industry.
For decades Barrio Logan has been impacted by pollution from the industries along the harbor. It has major health impacts affecting residents. According to the EPA, People living there have up to a 95% higher risk of developing cancer than the rest of the county.
Barrio Logan's first community plan came in 1978. People living there say there hasn’t been an update to improve the ongoing issues until recently.
"Trying to keep residents here who have fought for this community and made it what it is is just key," said José Franco García, the executive director of the Environmental Health Coalition.
He said the plan was close to passing ten years ago but faced major challenges from the nearby industries. Last week, the Coastal Commission approved this new plan. It looks to create a buffer zone between housing and the shipping industry.
It will also limit how businesses can expand to better protect the health of the public. The new also plan prioritizes affordable housing.
"Affordable housing was not part of that plan in 2013 but we have seen how crucial that is," he said.
Next, he said the plan will begin to be implemented and policies will be created around it.