One year ago this week, donning pressed suits and ill-fitting
construction hard hats, the previous Southwestern College Governing
Board broke ground to celebrate the start of construction on the $389
million Proposition R project on the infamous “corner lot.” A seven-acre
dirt and gravel field on Chula Vista’s busiest intersection, the lot
has remained empty for five decades. In the 12 months since then, the
only meaningful activity on the property was seasonal vendors selling
pumpkins in October and Christmas trees in December.
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| Pumpkin Patch: the only work being done / Photo: Serina Duarte |
With the pumpkin patch up and running again this year, the current
governing board unknowing marked the anniversary of the groundbreaking
by firing Escondido-based Echo Pacific Construction, the firm contracted
to provide construction management for most of the Prop R project. Echo
Pacific, however, continued on as if it was business as usual.
SWC Director of Facilities John Brown confirmed the board action to
fire Echo Pacific. The firm would continue to be part of the Proposition
AA project, he said, but the board was already seeking its replacement
for Prop R work.
“A recommendation was made at the October 12, 2011 governing board
meeting by staff to open negotiations with the number two ranked firm,
Balfour Beatty [formerly known as Barnhart Balfour Beatty],” Brown said.
