La Mesa Transit Oriented Development Feasibility Study

Spring Street and Amaya Drive Transit Stations

Welcome to the City’s webpage for the City of La Mesa (City) Transit-Oriented Development Feasibility Study (Study)!  The Study evaluated the potential for creating transit- oriented developments at two transit stations: the Amaya Drive Station and the Spring Street Station.

The TOD Feasibility Study is completed and available for review. The study analyzes existing conditions, presents conceptual options for development, and summarizes public outreach efforts. The study looks at parking and access, available regulatory tools, and financial feasibility and funding opportunities, and presents findings and recommendations for potential future actions and development. An overview of the project is provided in the project information sheet.

Learn More About the Study

A transit-oriented development (TOD) is development that typically includes a mix of uses, such as commercial and residential, and is located next to transit such as bus, trolley, and/or train. This type of development promotes the creation of housing units, access to public transit, offers multiple traveling options to commuters such as walking, biking and/or transit, and adds neighborhood amenities. The City of La Mesa has identified two transit stations, the Amaya Drive and Spring Street locations, as potential TOD sites. 

A feasibility study typically occurs very early in the planning and visioning process to evaluate opportunities and constraints on a particular site. As part of the Study, the City gathered information about each of the sites related to zoning, legislation, housing, parking, and economic factors, among others. Additionally, throughout the process, the City engaged with the community residents, business owners, and various stakeholders to discuss the possibilities for these opportunity sites.

The TOD Feasibility Study is completed and available for review. The study analyzes existing conditions, presents conceptual options for development, and summarizes public outreach efforts. The study looks at parking and access, available regulatory tools, and financial feasibility and funding opportunities, and presents findings and recommendations for potential future actions and development.

La Mesa Transit Oriented (TOD) Feasibility Study

A transit-oriented development (TOD) is development that typically includes a mix of uses, such as commercial and residential, and is located next to transit such as bus, trolley, and/or train. This type of development promotes the creation of housing units, access to public transit, offers multiple traveling options to commuters such as walking, biking and/or transit, and adds neighborhood amenities. The City of La Mesa has identified two transit stations, the Amaya Drive and Spring Street locations, as potential TOD sites. 

A feasibility study typically occurs very early in the planning and visioning process to evaluate opportunities and constraints on a particular site. As part of the Study, the City gathered information about each of the sites related to zoning, legislation, housing, parking, and economic factors, among others. Additionally, throughout the process, the City engaged with the community residents, business owners, and various stakeholders to discuss the possibilities for these opportunity sites. 

Study Timeline and Community Engagement Opportunities

The timeline below provides an overview of the three key phases of the Study, as well as the community engagement activities conducted for each phase. These community engagement activities were limited to online meetings and surveys due to the impacts of the COVID pandemic.

Online Survey December 2020 - January 2021 

To understand community priorities and travel patterns, an online survey was conducted. Survey responses were taken through February 1, 2021. Additionally, local community-based organizations were engaged directly for targeted feedback. The results of this first phase of public outreach for the project can be found here: Summary of Phase 1 Community Engagement .

June 10, 2021 Community Meeting A virtual community meeting was held on June 10, 2021, to present draft alternative project concepts for each station and to receive public input.  The meeting was attended by 35 interested members of the public, who provided input through polling. The presentation and recording of the virtual community meeting are available at the links below for those that would like to learn more about the draft alternatives.

                          June 10, 2021, Meeting Presentation                      June 10, 2021, Meeting Recording

Project Alternatives Concept StudiesA summary of second phase of public outreach, including the June 10, 2021, meeting and related online surveys: Summary of Phase 2 Community Engagement. 

Virtual Community Meeting December 16, 2021

The third phase of public outreach for the study was concluded on December 16, 2021, with a virtual community meeting to present the completed feasibility study. The presentation for the meeting and a recording are available below.

             December 16, 2021 Meeting Presentation                   December 16, 2021 Meeting Recording

City Council Meeting January 25, 2022

The completed TOD Feasibility Study was presented to the City Council on January 25, 2022. The presentation to the City Council and a link to the January 25, 2022 City Council meeting are available below.

                 January 25, 2022 Meeting Presentation                      January 25, 2022 Meeting Recording             

Study Contact Information

Community Development Department
City of La Mesa
planning@cityoflamesa.us
619-667-1177
8130 Allison Avenue
La Mesa, CA 91942

Study Funding and Partners 

The City applied for and received competitive grant funding through the Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant Program for the Study, which is being completed in cooperation, consultation, and partnership with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Service (MTS), SANDAG, and Caltrans. The City engaged consulting firm AECOM to complete the Study.