SAN DIEGO —­ The San Diego Board of Port Commissioners provided Chula Vista with a key resolution approving a land swap that will allow the city to take its first step in redeveloping the bayfront, the port announced.

The board voted 5-1 to approve a land exchange between the port and North C.V. Waterfront L.P., which will trade 97 acres owned by Pacifica Holdings with 35 acres closer to Chula Vista Harbor. The exchange would keep future development away from the National Wildlife Refuge and Chula Vista Nature Center, and place it near the lively harbor area.

“The agreement sets the stage for the exchange of land between the port and Pacifica Companies,” said Marguerite Elicone, senior public relations specialist for the port.

The Board of Port Commissioners also approved a second amendment to the relocation agreement between the city of Chula Vista, the city’s redevelopment agency, the port and Rohr Inc., operating as Goodrich Aerostructures. The agreement will create a 1,200-foot setback between proposed residential developments and manufacturing operations.

The amendment also ensures the proposed future residential development and existing manufacturing operations on the bayfront co-exist as “good neighbors.”

“The partnerships among the San Diego Unified Port District, Pacifica Companies and the city of Chula Vista are markers of success for community revival that address environmental protection and restoration, while creating attractive and sustainable development on our bayfront,” said city of Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox.

For years the city of Chula Vista has attempted to transform the bayfront from an industrial park into an attractive destination. Several developers showed interest in revitalizing the area; however, many obstacles stood in the way of redevelopment, including financing, a lengthy and complex permitting process and the seemingly endless decommissioning of the site’s power plants.

Gaylord Entertainment, a developer with plans to create a convention center and hotel, pulled out in 2008.

Pacifica’s proposed project included the construction of a resort hotel and convention center, residential development, parkland, open space, office/commercial, recreation, retail and cultural area. The project will also improve roadways and infrastructure.

The land exchange faces approval by the State Lands Commission. The city of Chula Vista must approve the final Environmental Impact Report, the Local Coastal Program Amendment. The port’s Master Plan Amendment and the city’s Local Coastal Program Amendment must be approved by the California Coastal Commission.