City evaluates Skateworld site for housing in new master plan
A feasibility study is examining the 6907 Linda Vista Road property, prompting local residents to seek formal input rights before any development moves forward.
By Tomas Rahman ·
The City of San Diego is assessing whether the Skateworld property at 6907 Linda Vista Road can accommodate affordable housing while preserving its existing community functions. This evaluation is part of the Affordable Home Development Master Plan, a study currently being drafted to determine the feasibility of adding residential units to publicly owned sites.
The site holds a specific history that informs current community concerns. The building was originally constructed as a community facility during World War II and features wooden arches that span the skating floor. The city designated the structure as a historical resource in 2011. Skateworld began operations in 1975 under Gary Stang. His son, Brett Stang, purchased the business in 2020 and now runs it with his wife, Christina.
Residents are closely monitoring the process because of a previous attempt to change the site's use. In 2019, the City Council voted against selling the property after community opposition halted a proposal to replace the rink with retail space. That earlier conflict has left local stakeholders wary of sudden changes. Brett Stang noted that the current situation is less advanced than the 2019 effort, describing the city's initial survey as a preliminary step.
City officials stated that no formal proposals for changes to the Skateworld site have been received as part of the master plan. Ombretta Di Dio of the Communications Department said the study examines how public properties could support housing while maintaining existing services. The city expects to release the master plan in the coming months.
Local leaders are preparing to influence the next stages of the process. The Linda Vista Planning Group’s Skateworld Ad Hoc Committee is drafting recommendations to ensure residents participate before any redevelopment decisions are made. Jonas Bimshas, the committee chair, said city staff confirmed in December 2025 that the property could be subject to California’s Surplus Land Act. This law sets requirements for disposing of surplus public land.
The committee will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in the rink's party room. Attendees will review the property’s history and the housing master plan. They will also consider recommendations asking city officials to engage with residents before advancing any proposal. Bimshas emphasized that the group has not yet adopted a formal position on the property’s future.
Councilmember Raul Campillo, whose district includes Linda Vista, said his office is working with the committee to keep residents informed. He described Skateworld as an iconic institution in the area. Stang, the rink's owner, said the business has operated under a month-to-month lease for years, making long-term investment difficult. He expressed support for additional affordable housing but hopes to remain part of any development process.
