Port Approves Coastal Development Permit for North Embarcadero Visionary Plan

Tuesday, 07 July 2009
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

The Board of Port Commissioners unanimously approved the issuance of an appealable coastal development permit for the first phase of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, which is part of a years-long transformation along the waterfront.

The decision, made at today’s Board of Port Commissioners meeting, paves the way for construction to proceed on the ambitious project that has been planned for more than 10 years.

The North Embarcadero Visionary Plan covers about a mile and a half of waterfront on Harbor Drive in San Diego from Laurel Street to the G Street Mole.  It will enliven the area with widened sidewalks, landscaping, public art and gathering spaces.  The first phase includes an area on Harbor Drive from the  Navy Pier to the B Street Pier and a portion of West Broadway from the railroad tracks, just past Pacific Highway to the intersection of Harbor Drive.

The project is a collaboration between the Port, Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) and the City of San Diego.

Commissioner William Hall, who served on the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan’s original board several years ago, praised the evolution of the project.

“This is laudable,” he said.  “The plan is much better than when I was involved with it.  It’s a great project.”

Commissioner Scott Peters also commended the project.

“This project will beautify the waterfront and make it a cool place to go to,” he said.  “Congratulations to the staff and the JPA (Joint Powers Authority) for coming up with a plan that will draw people to the waterfront.”

The JPA sets the framework for financing the project and provides that each agency will use its best efforts to procure available funding from sources such as lease revenues, capital development programs, grants and federal and state funds.  The three JPA Board members are Kevin Faulconer, San Diego City council member; Stephen P. Cushman, Chairman, Board of Port Commissioners and Fred Maas, Chair, CCDC.

Council member Faulconer, who was in the audience said:

“No matter what part of town you’re from, this project will benefit you. I strongly support it. The vision, the front step, originated right here at the Port.  This is a project that everyone throughout the region can be proud of.  When I was elected council member, I pledged to get this thing moving.  This is a project that enjoys strong support.  My colleagues on the City Council support it for what it means to the region.”

In a related action item, the Board approved an amendment to the JPA agreement, which allows the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Diego, acting through CCDC, to loan the Port about $8.5 million.  Interest will accrue at a rate of 4.77 percent on the advanced funds.

The Port had originally counted on revenue from the proposed Lane Field development, which includes two new hotels, to help pay for the Port’s share of the first phase costs.  The estimated total cost is $28.6 million, which is to be split between the Port and CCDC.

Because the Lane Field developers have requested additional time to come up with financing for their project, the Port needed to look elsewhere for its share of the first phase funding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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