Draft environmental report outlines plans for a new waterfront park, promenade and entertainment district on East Harbor Island as public comment period begins.
The Port of San Diego has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed East Harbor Island Redevelopment/Topgolf and Waterfront Park Project, marking another step in a plan that could reshape a portion of the San Diego Bay waterfront while expanding public access to the shoreline.
The Draft EIR is now available for public review and comment through 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 24. The environmental review examines the potential impacts of redeveloping an industrial area on East Harbor Island into a mixed-use destination featuring a waterfront park, public promenade, entertainment venues and supporting infrastructure.
For boaters, the proposal represents a significant change to a section of Harbor Island that’s historically been devoted to airport-related operations rather than public recreation. If approved, the project would create new opportunities for visitors to enjoy San Diego Bay from the shoreline while adding amenities near one of Southern California’s busiest boating destinations.
The proposed redevelopment site is located in the east basin area of Harbor Island, adjacent to Harbor Police Headquarters and across from San Diego International Airport. The property is currently used for surface parking, rental car operations and temporary airport construction support.
Plans call for the creation of a 10.1-acre public waterfront park featuring a 20-foot-wide promenade along the bay, along with plazas, playgrounds, shaded seating areas, public art, restrooms and other recreational amenities designed to improve public access to the waterfront.
The project also includes a 16.5-acre entertainment district anchored by a proposed Topgolf facility. Additional dining and entertainment concepts, often referred to as “eatertainment” venues, would be selected through a future competitive solicitation process.
Supporting improvements would include the realignment of Liberator Way, construction of new public parking, upgraded pedestrian sidewalks, landscaped buffers, utility improvements and modifications to nearby intersections at North Harbor Drive and Harbor Island Drive.
While the project is expected to attract visitors to the bayfront, boaters who frequent Harbor Island will likely be interested in how the redevelopment could enhance the surrounding waterfront experience. The addition of new public gathering spaces and pedestrian access may create another destination for marina visitors, cruising boaters and those exploring San Diego Bay by land or sea.
The Port emphasized that no portion of the project, including the proposed Topgolf facility, has been approved by the Board of Port Commissioners. The Draft EIR is intended to evaluate potential environmental effects and gather public input before any final decisions are made.
Following the close of the public review period, Port staff will prepare responses to comments received and incorporate them into a Final Environmental Impact Report. The Final EIR is expected to be presented to the Board of Port Commissioners for consideration later this year, along with a Port Master Plan Amendment if needed. Staff also anticipate presenting an Option to Lease agreement for the proposed Topgolf site and issuing a future Request for Proposals for adjacent development parcels.
Members of the public may review the Draft EIR online through the Port of San Diego’s website or in person at the Port’s District Clerk office and the San Diego Central Library. Written comments may be submitted by email or mail through 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 24 and should identify specific environmental concerns related to the proposed project.
