San Diego Real Estate: Lessons from the Watchung Mountains Development Debate
A heated debate is unfolding in West Orange, New Jersey, where a billionaire NFL owner’s plan to build nearly 500 homes on an untouched mountaintop has sparked controversy. According to the article "Billionaire NFL Owner Wants To Build Nearly 500 Homes on an Untouched Mountaintop—but Some Say It’s Not Safe", published on May 12, 2025, the project by Garden Homes, led by Zygmunt Wilf, includes 100 affordable housing units to meet local obligations under the Mount Laurel Doctrine. Yet, locals oppose it, citing safety risks like limited access roads, flood concerns, and distance from amenities. This clash raises big questions for San Diego’s real estate market—let’s explore the implications, backed by data, and share actionable advice for buyers and sellers!
Summary of the Article’s Main Points
The article details a proposed 496-unit development on a 120-acre site in the Watchung Mountains, driven by Garden Homes to fulfill West Orange’s affordable housing quota of 1,000 units by 2035. While 100 units aim to address affordability, locals and officials worry about safety hazards—single-road access, hilly terrain, and flood risks—plus the site’s isolation from schools and stores. Past development attempts failed due to similar concerns, and opponents see the affordable housing angle as a tactic to push the project through, despite the town’s already dense development.
Implications for the San Diego Real Estate Market
San Diego’s real estate landscape could draw parallels from this New Jersey saga, especially as housing demand and development pressures mount. Here’s our expert take:
Affordable Housing Pressure: Like West Orange, San Diego faces a housing crisis, with only 10% of households able to afford the median home price of $1,015,000 (NAR, May 2025). Projects blending luxury and affordable units might gain traction, but local resistance could stall progress if safety or environmental concerns arise.
Development Constraints: San Diego’s geography—ocean to the west, mountains to the east—mirrors the Watchung challenges. Limited land and strict zoning could force controversial mountaintop or hillside developments, risking community backlash and legal battles.
Safety and Infrastructure: Isolated developments with poor access could face scrutiny here, especially in areas like East County or North County’s hilly regions. Flood risks, a concern in New Jersey, also hit San Diego during recent storms, with 2024 seeing a 15% increase in flood-related insurance claims (SD County data).
Market Perception: If San Diego pushes similar projects, buyer confidence might waver if safety or infrastructure issues dominate headlines, potentially cooling demand in affected areas.
Relevant Data and Statistics
San Diego Inventory: With a 2.4-month supply (CAR, May 2025), San Diego’s tight market could push developers toward risky sites, echoing the Watchung proposal.
Affordability Gap: The median income needed for a San Diego home is $200,000+, far exceeding the $75,000-$100,000 range of many local workers (SDHC, 2025).
Flood Risk: 20% of San Diego properties are in flood-prone zones, a statistic that could fuel opposition to new developments (FEMA, 2024).
Development Costs: Building costs in San Diego rose 8% year-over-year in 2025, making affordable units harder to integrate into luxury projects (CBRE).
Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers
For Buyers:
Research Thoroughly: Investigate new developments for safety and infrastructure details—ask about access roads, flood plans, and proximity to amenities.
Act Decisively: With inventory low, act fast on safe, well-planned projects. Partner with us to spot opportunities before they’re gone.
Consider Alternatives: Explore established neighborhoods with existing infrastructure to avoid risks tied to new builds.
For Sellers:
Highlight Safety: Market your home’s location advantages—good roads, flood protection—to stand out as development debates intensify.
Price Smartly: In a competitive market, price competitively to attract buyers wary of untested projects. We can leverage recent sales data to guide you.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local zoning changes—safe, approved developments could boost nearby property values.
Dive Deeper and Share the Insight!
This New Jersey debate is a wake-up call for San Diego’s real estate future. Will we balance growth with safety, or face similar conflicts? Share this post with friends and family navigating the market, and head to YourSanDiegoRealty.com for the latest insights and personalized guidance. Let’s shape your real estate journey together! 🌴🏡