Port of San Diego Seeks Public Review and Input Ahead of Environmental Review of Proposed Seaport San Diego Redevelopment

SAN DIEGO— The Port of San Diego is seeking public review and input on what to study as part of the environmental review process for the proposed Seaport San Diego redevelopment.

In 2016, the Board of Port Commissioners selected the 1HWY1 development team to redevelop a large portion of the Central Embarcadero, including Seaport Village, Tuna Harbor, Embarcadero Marina Park North, and Ruocco Park. 1HWY1 proposes a mix of uses, including extensive plazas, parks, and promenades; piers and marinas; hospitality, retail, and restaurants; commercial fishing uses; multiple visitor attractions; an urban beach; and educational uses. The proposed project covers approximately 39 acres of land and 63 acres of water.

The Port of San Diego is the lead agency in preparing the proposed redevelopment project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). As the first step, the Port has issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft EIR. The document and attached materials include:

• The project description.
• Location.
• An initial study of the possible environmental effects of the proposed project.
• The proposed scope of the EIR.

More information, including the NOP and conceptual renderings, are available at portofsandiego.org/centralembarcadero.

Written comments regarding environmental concerns will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2023, and should be emailed to SeaportSD@portofsandiego.org or mailed to: Port of San Diego, Attn: Development Services Department, 3165 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101. Please reference “Seaport San Diego Redevelopment Project” in all correspondence.

Environmental analysis will be performed, and an EIR will be drafted and publicly reviewed. Port staff anticipates the Draft EIR will be released for public review and comment in the fall of 2024. The timeline could change based on various factors. In parallel, staff continues working with 1HWY1 on project financials and feasibility. Staff anticipates this to be an ongoing process.

After the EIR is complete, the Board will consider certification of the EIR and approval of a Port Master Plan Amendment (PMPA). If the Board certifies the EIR and approves a PMPA, the PMPA would then go to the California Coastal Commission for processing and a request for certification.

Once a PMPA is certified, 1HWY1 must get approval from the Board for Coastal Development Permit(s). At this time, the Board will also be asked to approve some form of real estate agreement(s) with 1HWY1.