From the Port of San Diego:
After a decade-long, joint planning process betweenthe Port of San Diego and City of Chula Vista, the California Coastal Commission Thursday unanimously approved the 556-acre Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan (CVBMP), the largest available coastal development opportunity in California. Located on south San Diego Bay inthe City of Chula Vista, the accepted land use designations allow the Port and Chula Vista to progress into the development phase with the goal to transform the currently underused industrial waterfront property into a world-class resort and conference destination, complemented by a mixof residential, retail, and more than 240 acres of parks and nature preserve.
The next step for the Port and City is to secure a developer(s) for the master planned project by preparing a Request for Qualifications or RFQ. Marketing efforts are already underway and it is anticipated that an RFQ would be issued for initial phases of the project early next year and will be announced and posted on the Port and City websites.
“Today is a great day for Chula Vista and our neighbors throughout the South Bay,” said Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox. “This plan is an unprecedented development model that succeeded because of collaboration with differing interests, input from community stakeholders and hard work from dedicated people. We now have an economically and environmentally sound foundation that will bring thousands of new jobs to our region and increase public access to our waterfront.”
The project will be implemented in four major phases over a 24-year period. The first phase includes developing the resort conference center, creating public parks and open space, restoring habitat areas, and constructing a new fire station, RV park and mixed-use residential development. It is envisioned that construction for the first phase could begin as early as 2016.
Pacifica Companies, a San Diego-based development and real estate company, is the design/build company that will construct the mixed-use residential areas located on previously developed land near existing yacht marinas.
“I am proud to represent Chula Vista and the Port during this historic moment. This projectcombines the best in planning and development that will benefit residents, the environment and the economy for an entire region,” said Port Commissioner Ann Moore. “Approval of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan exemplifies the collaborative approach the Port of San Diego aims to take with projects involving our five member cities."
In the near term, significant changes will occur to Chula Vista’s bayfront over the next year.
Among the largest projects is the demolition of the South Bay Power Plant. This fall, the power plant which began operating in 1960 and was decommissioned in 2011, will be imploded in two phases. Its removal will further open views of San Diego Bay as the site is prepared for newvisitor-serving and business assets as envisioned in the CVBMP.
For more information on the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan visit CVBayfront.com
