Board of Port Commissioners Approves Agreement Ensuring Environmental Protection and Enhancement of Chula Vista Bayfront

Tuesday, 04 May 2010
Contact: John Gilmore (619) 341-5684, (619) 686-7206

Development of the Chula Vista bayfront took another major step forward following the Board of Port Commissioners approval of an agreement that calls for state-of-art environmental features, such as "green" buildings, protection of sensitive habitats and expansive parks and open pace for more than 550 acres overlooking San Diego Bay.

The agreement with a coalition of environmental groups ensures environmental enhancement and protection of the bay front and wildlife areas while providing that the majority of the workers who will build the resort conference center will be locally based.

The agreement, which was approved Tuesday, May 4, 2010, by the Port Commission, is with the Port, City of Chula Vista, the city's redevelopment agency and the Bayfront Coalition. The coalition includes the Environmental Health Coalition, the San Diego Audubon Society, the San Diego Coastkeeper, the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, the Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association, the Surfrider Foundation and Empower San Diego.

Port Commissioner Stephen Padilla, who represents Chula Vista on the Board of Port Commissioners, characterized the action as a "seminal moment."

He said the agreement will sustain the strength and quality of the project for years to come. "This is not just a good action, it is a good public policy," he said.

Port Commissioner Scott Peters echoed Padilla's praise of the project and the collaboration among the city, the Port and the Bayfront Coalition. "This is a perfect example of how to work together to solve issues," he said.

Laura Hunter, associate program director of the Environmental Health Coalition, said the Port can be proud of the "landmark agreement," and she commended the Port for agreeing to exceed minimum environmental standards for developing the Bayfront.

The Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan has been on the drawing boards for more than a decade. The prime features include a resort hotel and conference center, residential units, commercial and office development, parks, habitat preserves, open space, recreation, retail and cultural and water-related elements and projects that will provide jobs for thousands.

The agreement with the Bayfront Coalition builds on the Port's Green Port Program. That program seeks to achieve long-term environmental, societal and economic benefits through resource conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention and sustainable building.

Included in the agreement are mitigation measures that go beyond those outlined in the Environmental Impact Report, such as long-term protection of wetland habitats, preservation of breeding, wintering and migratory habitats for wildlife, public input for park designs, protection of sensitive areas from building encroachment and restrictions on boating in sensitive areas.

Buildings would be twice as energy-efficient as required by state and national standards. Low and moderate income housing would be provided on the bay front and in Western Chula Vista, and public parks would be required to be completed prior to the opening of a new resort hotel.

The agreement ensures the public will be involved in the project planning and oversight through the creation of a South Bay Wildlife Advisory Group, which will advise the Port and city on wildlife management and restoration. In addition, a cultural and design committee will be formed to help guide the bay front development. There also will be formation of an environmental education program for bay front residents, visitors, tenants and workers.

To ensure labor support for the master plan, the agreement provides for a local jobs policy for the construction of a resort conference center and requires that 70 percent or more of workers be San Diego County residents. Ten percent would be disadvantaged workers. Contractors and subcontractors with headquarters in San Diego County will be given priority to build the major resort hotel.

The agreement avoids potential future litigation and ensures that leading regional environmental groups will support the Chula Vista Master Plan as it proceeds for local and state approval.

The next step will occur Tuesday, May 18, 2010, when the Port of San Diego and City of Chula Vista hold a special joint meeting to certify the final Environmental Impact Report and approve a Port Master Plan amendment. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in the Chula Vista City Council chambers.

Following local approval, the master plan is expected to go before the State Lands Commission for certification this fall and be submitted for approval to the California Coastal Commission some time next year.