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NewsUrban Land Institute and Port of San Diego Announce Coalition to Seek Consensus on North Embarcadero PlanMay 27, 2010 Urban Land Institute and Port of San Diego Announce Coalition to Seek Consensus on North Embarcadero Plan Planners and the Public to Seek “Arts-Inspired” Vision for San Diego’s Front Porch
(SAN DIEGO) The San Diego/Tijuana District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) announced today that it has agreed to lead a series of public meetings to develop a compelling vision for the San Diego bayfront, as well as to seek consensus on the needed changes to the Phase 1 North Embarcadero Visionary Plan (NEVP). With funding and support from the Port of San Diego, ULI has enlisted the support of a broad range of civic organizations including The American Institute of Architects, The Design Coalition, The Downtown Partnership, Downtown Residents Association, and others.
Mary Lydon, ULI Executive Director commented, “The downtown waterfront is our most precious real estate and it presents a unique opportunity to create a special place that is cherished by all San Diegans. We feel it is time to pull the community together to search for common ground and a shared vision.”
David Malmuth, a noted arts and entertainment developer and 25-year ULI member who is leading the effort, stated, “Many of the waterfront enhancements that are now in jeopardy have broad support. There is conflict over some elements, but looking at the waterfront through a broader lens might offer options not yet considered. We have assembled an exceptionally talented creative team, including Stan Eckstut, FAIA, and Rob Quigley, FAIA, and asked them to work with the community to envision a San Diego “front-porch” -- including The North Embarcadero, the Navy Broadway Complex, Lane Field, The Navy Pier, and the G Street Mole -- that is beautifully designed, creatively programmed, and alive with the dynamic interweaving of arts and cultural elements.”
Malmuth also said that one goal of this process would be to find resolution on the elements of the NEVP Phase 1 that need to be fixed, so the plan can move forward in a timely manner.
“The Port, Center City Development Corporation and the City of San Diego and dedicated members of the public spent 12 years developing the Phase 1 plan that was presented to the Coastal Commission this year,” said Port Commissioner Scott Peters, who serves as the Port’s alternate representative to the NEVP Joint Powers Authority. “While I firmly support that plan, it’s clear that we need better understanding, and broader public support to move forward. This approach will help find solutions, and reach our overarching goal – a great waterfront.”
“I’m optimistic that we can gain consensus, maintain our funding, and get going on Phase 1 this year,” Peters said, adding his thanks to David Malmuth for his leadership. The public input will also inform the Port’s master plan amendment for the NEVP, which it began earlier this year.
Michael Stepner, Professor at the New School of Architecture, and highly respected urban planner and Malmuth will co-moderate the public sessions.
“This is the right approach at the right time,” said Stepner. “We have spent over 12 years trying to get this waterfront vision plan going, and while there are different views, we must be willing engage in a civil and constructive fashion and try to find answers.”
The series of three public meetings will be held at the Embarcadero Conference Center located at 585 Harbor Lane adjacent to Seaport Village in Downtown San Diego.
1. Saturday, June 12 from 9:00am - 4:00 pm - Broad input on goals and ideas for the waterfront will be gathered. Lunch will be provided.
2. Saturday, June 26 from 9:00am – 4:00pm - A set of principles and concept plans assembled by the design team will be presented for review by the attendees. Lunch will be provided.
3. Saturday, July 17 from 9:00pm – 1:00pm - Preferred concept plans will be refined.
The team will also provide an interim report to the Board of Port Commissioners at its July 6 meeting, to give input as the Board considers issuing an amended permit for Phase I in time to be considered by the Coastal Commission later this year.
For more information about specifics of the process, go to the ULI website, www.ulisd.org .
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