Port of San Diego

A special Board of Port Commissioners meeting to allow the board to vote on a financing agreement for improvements along the North Embarcadero is set to go ahead.

The meeting will be held on February 25, 2011, at 10am at the Don L. Nay Port Administration Building.

The agreement calls for the Port of San Diego and the Centre City Development Corporation, the City of San Diego’s redevelopment agency, to contribute $14 million each toward the first phase of development.

A portion of the funding can be offset by certain capital credits to the port for past improvements and maintenance of the project.

Board of Port Commissioners approval of the agreement will clear the way for construction to begin later this year if the California Coastal Commission approves the North Embarcadero Phase 1 project at its April meeting.

The Port of San Diego and the Centre City Development Corporation are part of a Joint Powers Authority formed to create enhanced public spaces along the North Embarcadero of San Diego Bay.

Both agencies must vote on the agreement.

The $28 million first phase includes a two-acre public park and plaza at Lane Field and relocating Harbor Drive to create an esplanade over 100 feet wide from former Navy Pier to the B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal.

The esplanade will include a pedestrian promenade, shade pavilions, formal gardens, restroom facilities and public art.

The North Embarcadero Visionary Plan will see improvements along the waterfront from Seaport Village to Laurel Street, with enhancements scheduled in phases.