By Donna Frye
On December 17th, a city council majority voted to adopt their Legislative Priorities for 2026. Included in those priorities was language specific to Mission Bay Park that supports amending the State Surplus Land Act to exclude Mission Bay Park so it could not be used for housing development.
Their priorities also included supporting “ legislation that would amend the State Surplus Land Act to clarify that not all public land is suitable for housing, particularly where development would conflict with the City Charter or voter-approved measures, including, but not limited to, dedicated public parkland such as Mission Bay Park, Balboa Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, other regional parks, open space, or canyons.”
This is the outcome we all have worked so hard for since July, when we first learned about the issue of surplus land. At that time, it looked like it might be a done deal since the Land Use and Housing Committee had voted to support it. But we got the matter continued when it went to the city council and here we are- not out of the woods but headed in the right direction.
The reason that we are having to deal with this issue is some 2023 legislation that was passed by the state legislators to “clarify” the Surplus Land Act.
Because of that, the state is telling the public that if the city wants to renew existing leases for over 15 years or enter into new ones on city-owned land we must first make it available to housing developers and give them priority over all other uses.
The state says that it doesn’t matter if Mission Bay Park is voter-approved, dedicated public parkland; the Surplus Land Act applies. That’s as bad as telling a child there is no Santa Claus; not only are they wrong, they’re also really mean-spirited.
I appreciate and thank the city councilmembers who were willing to stand up to the state and their overreach by voting to protect Mission Bay Park-one of our most beloved and precious public resources. You just earned a check mark on Santa’s Nice List.
Thank you for the update!!
We are grateful for your eagle eyes, Donna!
Thank you!
Thank you Donna, for your seemingly tireless advocacy for public parkland and open space, especially in Mission Bay. I know it is an uphill battle because most of our elected officials think Mission Bay is a great way to make money, and nothing more than that. I was raised next to Mission Bay and I spent many of the best days of my childhood, roaming the shoreline, swimming, fishing and watching birds. I still feel a profound connection to Mission Bay. I want other children to have that same connection. But that isn’t possible with paid parking, chain-link fencing and uniformed guards. You are absolutely right , Donna, when you say we need public parks where we can take our families. You are an inspiration to me and I’m sure, a lot of others who love Mission Bay. Keep up the good work.
Since the vote was a majority and not unanimous, it would be interesting to know how each Councilmember voted. Public comment and the vote by the MBPC made the citizens wishes crystal clear.
Thank you Donna for everything you do,you are an asset to San Diego.