CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — Big plans are underway to help a South Bay destination thrive with new additions starting this year.

Marco Li Mandri with New City America runs San Diego’s Little Italy Association, and he took over as head of Third Avenue in Chula Vista last fall.

Li Mandri told ABC 10News, “What we are looking at is a series of events that will take place this year, and there will be new events.”

He said his group also plans to go vertical, adding about 300 multi-unit units in and around Third Avenue businesses by 2024.

“We want people to go down to the ground floor to go to a bar, a restaurant or to do some shopping,” Li Mandri said.

Area businesses, including the Burdick Sewing and Suction Center, have thrived during the pandemic.

“When we first got the virus, we were really busy, people were buying fabric and fixing their machines because they were making the masks,” owner Joan Burdick said.

According to Burdick, the multi-generational families have remained loyal customers, and the owner of the space she rents has never raised the rent.

Some other businesses have not been so lucky, including the Brew Bar, a vegan restaurant and café.

“When I think about my finances over the past two years with the pandemic, it’s a bit like playing Tetris,” owner Alex McDaniel said.

McDaniel said business slowed amid the pandemic, and then the company they were renting their space from decided to sell in December. He and the staff held a fundraising event last month to raise money to help buy the property.

“The more the community becomes aware of our concept, the more ready they are to support the company,” McDaniel said.

Li Mandri believes Third Avenue Village businesses and the community will benefit from their plans.

He and his team will also have a hospitality task force on standby to help owners with things like long-term outdoor dining permits and marketing strategies.

Click here for a list of Third Avenue Village businesses, services and events