By Donna Frye
I am still trying to make sense of the mayor’s proposal to declare three properties in Mission Bay Park “surplus land”.
I still think it is a terrible idea because it allows developers to propose building housing in our dedicated public parks.
Worse, I don’t even know if what we are being told is accurate information.
Why would the State of California convey tidelands trust property to the City of San Diego through a series of grants which restrict developing housing and then turn around and say, but if you want to use the property for the purposes agreed to in the trust, you must first declare your intention to offer up the property to housing developers for uses that are restricted by the trust?
It’s going to take some bigger brains than mine to explain that because I sure can’t do it. It’s not for the lack of trying, however. My former dining room table is now known as the document repository.
If it is true that the Surplus Land Act applies to the land and water in Mission Bay Park, why not just show us the documents that say that?
Why is it so difficult for the mayor to provide the documents showing the city’s request and the state’s denial of the exemption request especially since those documents are driving this whole discussion?
Without knowing with certainty that the Surplus Land Act applies to land and water in Mission Bay Park, we cannot have an informed public discussion.
Was anyone in the city ever asked to provide a legal analysis or to see what might be done to fall within an exemption to the Surplus Land Act?
Doesn’t it make sense to at least see what options might exist instead of just declaring Mission Bay Park “surplus land” ?
If the mayor is sincere in wanting to revitalize parts of Mission Bay Park there is a very simple solution; provide all the information to the public that has been requested, including the “unsolicited proposal” for the Marina Village lease.
Ask the public to participate before moving forward with any “surplus land” declaration at city council. There are a lot of very knowledgeable and caring people who are more than willing to provide their input and help. It’s one of the reasons the Mission Bay Park Committee and the Park and Recreation Board exist.
But they can’t help if they are denied the necessary information and opportunity to participate.
As Daniel Schorr said, “I have no doubt that the nation has suffered more from undue secrecy than from undue disclosure. The government takes good care of itself.”
I would add to Schorr’s quote that it’s past time to take good care of the public too.
Wow! I am so glad you are looking into this shady looking deal the mayor has decided on. Thank you Donna Frye.
From a “What is best for the people who live in San Diego” perspective, this idea is terrible. As local San Diegans, the walk/ride north from the Conference Center along the marina boardwalk is welcoming, with the Seaforth Marina on the left, public parking, and a restaurant and public bathroom on the right–until you get within proximity of the Hyatt Hotel. That’s where it no longer feels like it’s for San Diegans, and coastal access becomes tricky. Check it out. Another example: Paradise Point has been obstructing local San Diegans access to the coastline for decades. Please don’t sell Marina Village Conference Center to a developer.
Instead, why not make it into a combination of Seaport Village (shops and restaurants), a public outdoor concert space on the water, pickle ball and tennis courts, and an ocean/wetlands education center with access to the San Diego River Estuary (just south, across Quivira Way).
I am VERY glad Donna Frye is on top of this sleight of hand trick by Magician Todd Gloria to steal our park lands with legal hocus pocus in back room deals. I would hate very much to have to pour another bucket of money into a lawsuit, given all the horrror we are facing on the National level.
Thank you, Donna. I especially appreciate your Daniel Schorr quote – we’re presently seeing just how true it is on the current national scene as well.
R E C A L L T O D D G L O R I A ! ! !
Thank you Donna Fry,the politicians are ruining this place slowly but surely.Born and raised here and it’s going to hell.
What is it with Gloria and unsolicited proposals?
The Kettner and Vine Street homeless shelter boondoggle was unsolicited and would have cost the hundreds of millions of dollars over the life of the lease. Now this unsolicited proposal that gives away park land. Either Gloria is an easy mark or is in on the scam.