News

Developing San Diego's Waterfront is a Balancing Act

July 10, 2008

ULI District Council
San Diego/Tijuana

Developing San Diego’s Waterfront is a Balancing Act

San Diego, CA -- One of the greatest challenges for cities and agencies faced with developing San Diego’s waterfront is finding the proper balance between various uses including maritime, industrial and residential, according to panelist at the Urban Land Institute San Diego/Tijuana Chapter’s July breakfast meeting.

            “We’ve got to get the biggest bang for our buck,” stated Brad Raulston, Community Development Executive Director for National City and a panelist at the ULI program entitled “What Makes a Waterfront Work?” held on July 8.  Raulston spoke of the struggles of balancing fiscal sustainability, quality of life, the regional and local issues affecting the waterfront and how to get local revenues out of a new project.

            Panelist, Dirk Mathiasen, Vice President of Operations for the Port of San Diego, noted that National City’s issues are not unique.  “All communities are struggling as the manufacturing and industrial component of the waterfront isn’t as strong as it used to be.  When finding balance, the question is ‘Where’s the benefit’?”

            Raulston believes one solution is to find creative incentives for industrial land uses like those that are available for affordable housing.  He also believes progress can be made by “the Port and National City working together, otherwise both the public and private sector suffer.”

            Panelist Dennis Wilde, a partner at Gerding Edlen, provided an overview of the South Waterfront project in Portland, Oregon, a 38-acre development along the Willamette River that will transform underutilized light industrial warehouses into an urban neighborhood. Facing similar waterfront issues as those found along the southern California coastline, Wilde demonstrated that with a strong public/private partnership, change for the better is possible.  When completed, the South Waterfront project will feature multiple unique characteristics, including all buildings being LEED certified.

            Both Raulston and Mathiasen noted that some progress is being made along our local waterfront.  National City has opened a marina and park with the Port. Additionally, plans for the first phase of a linear park from Broadway to Grape streets in San Diego are moving forward, in part because the Centre City Development Corporation provided funding.

About ULI

The Urban Land Institute develops leaders in the responsible use of land and promotes creation of sustainable, thriving communities worldwide.  ULI has 41,000 members internationally and 850 in the San Diego region.  The ULI San Diego/Tijuana District Council facilitates local discussion of public policy issues and best practices related to real estate development, city building and land use.

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