Re “Hillcrest, University City growth won’t be as severe as some fear” (June 16): I was disappointed to read Michael Smolens focusing on the wrong issue regarding concerns with the community plan updates for University City and Uptown. The issue is not that the build-out of the allowed density may never occur, but that the consequences of the allowed density will be immediate and devastating.

Land values will skyrocket based on their new paper value, increasing rents and sale prices. The mobility changes that remove parking and restrict personal and emergency vehicle traffic will happen overnight, while SANDAG and MTS have not committed on their end. And there are still no plans for parks, public services or infrastructure beyond what already exists.

The issue is a zombie upzoning that privileges capital over people — and that should concern everyone.

— Mat Wahlstrom, Hillcrest