For the first time since 2005, the joint-powers authority overseeing the overhaul of San Diego’s waterfront met to discuss a timeline for making the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan a reality.
The recently re-created authority is in charge of overseeing the $228 million makeover of Harbor Drive and the bay front walkways between Laurel and Market streets. Currently, the Port of San Diego is working with the Centre City Development Corp. to begin interviewing possible firms to draw up Phase 1 construction documents.
Made up of three public agencies, including the City of San Diego, CCDC and the Port of San Diego, the authority met at the port’s administration building May 29 to hear from the general public as well as to listen to a proposed timeline for the project.
District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer serves as chair of the authority and represents the City of San Diego.
“Today I see as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity for us [to have] a reinvigorated fresh start,” Faulconer said to the crowd, mentioning that this plan has been in the works for approximately 10 years.
While most attendees were enthusiastic and energized about finally moving forward on this much anticipated renovation, the room also held a melancholy air due to the recent death of restaurateur and civic leader Tom Fat, who was passionate about moving forward with the visionary plan.
“A lot of us have dreamed about this for a very long time, including, regrettably, a really great San Diegan who can’t be with us today: Tom Fat,” said CCDC’s Wayne Raffesberger as he reminisced about Fat’s persistence in reminding Raffesberger about the important project. “Well, Tom, your time has finally come ” the time for all of us here in San Diego.”
Raffesberger also mentioned that despite not having a formally organized joint-powers authority since 2003, the Port of San Diego and CCDC have met numerous times to “iron out the details.”
Phase 1 will include narrowing Harbor Drive to create a 100-foot public esplanade between Broadway and B streets. CCDC and the port will share the $20 million cost for Phase 1.
Landscaping, increased lighting and public art will be included in each of the possible 10 phases, each costing approximately $20 million.
The group proposes selecting one local artist to assist not only in brainstorming public art ideas for each of the phases but to assist in selecting a design team and working closely with the group.
Port Chairwoman Sylvia Rios expressed her worry that a focus on public art may take funding away from other needed aspects, such as landscaping or benches.
“When someone is tired, they would much rather see a beautiful bench than beautiful art,” Rios said.
Gary Bosse, in charge of budgeting and cost estimates for the project, assured that public art for Phase 1 utilizes 2 percent of the total $20 million funding.
Karen Weymann, in charge of public art throughout the project, mentioned that funding for the public art aspect could also come from the city’s public art funds.
Raffesberger expressed his concern that the increased landscaping, while aesthetically pleasing, could obstruct the view of the water as people drive or walk toward Harbor Drive.
Concerns regarding funding also were raised at the meeting ” not only how to fund the entire project but how to fund the continued maintenance of the area in the years after completion.
“Obviously, our biggest challenge is going to be funding as we move forward,” Faulconer said. “Let nobody be under the false impression that funding for this project is guaranteed ” it’s not. It’s going to take all of us working together.”
Organizers of the plan said that they are working on setting up a foundation to address funding for future maintenance.
Phase 1 is tentatively scheduled to begin construction in fall 2008 and be completed in 2010.
The authority will meet once each month, rotating meeting locations to accommodate each of the organizations represented. The next meeting is scheduled for today, June 21, 2 p.m., in the boardroom at the Port of San Diego Administration Building, 3165 Pacific Highway.
For more information on the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, visit www.portofsandiego.org/projects/nevp.