After an extensive planning period, the Port of San Diego has recently given the green light to the Port Master Plan Update, a comprehensive guidebook that will shape the development landscape in and around San Diego Bay. The decision was unanimously approved by the Board of Port Commissioners during a recent meeting, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.
Covering 1,009 land acres and 1,454 water acres across ten planning districts, the Port Master Plan Update facilitates significant changes by 2050. The plan accommodates 3,910 additional hotel rooms, 340,000 square feet of new retail space and an additional 20.6 acres of parks, plazas and open spaces. In an effort to enhance coastal access, the plan also allows for 75 new anchorages, 485 recreational boat slips and 65 commercial vessel slips in the bay.
Notably, the plan adopts a “water-first” paradigm, emphasizing the importance of water and land use. Jason Giffen, the port’s vice president of planning and environment, highlighted the intention to guarantee the public realm, increase coastal access and support innovative ways of moving people and freight.
However, not all stakeholders are in agreement with the plan. Critics, including the Embarcadero Coalition, express concerns about the increased density of hotel development in certain areas, particularly the Embarcadero region. Some argue that the plan neglects projects like Seaport San Diego, proposing alternatives that might better balance commercial realities with community desires.
In response to these concerns, commissioners highlighted the urban nature of the downtown waterfront and the need to strike a balance between environmental stewardship, community interests, and commercial realities. The board’s approval acknowledges the challenges posed by the plan but maintains that it achieves the necessary equilibrium.
With the Port commissioners approval of the master plan, it will advance to the California Coastal Commission for final consideration.
