In a landmark decision for Southern California’s coastline, the California Coastal Commission has unanimously approved the “De Anza Natural” plan. This is paving the way for a sweeping $1 billion transformation of Mission Bay‘s northeast corner! Here’s what we know.
Mission Bay’s makeover wins Coastal Commission approval
According to a recent article by the San Diego Union-Tribune, state regulators gave their blessing to the sprawling 500-acre overhaul – but not without demanding several crucial environmental modifications. The approved blueprint aims to balance active land use with climate resilience. It promises to restore 140 acres of new tidal salt marsh to an area currently dominated by De Anza Cove, Campland on the Bay, and sports facilities.
In total, the finalized zoning will accommodate the restored marshland alongside 67 acres of active recreation space, 49 acres of RV and tent camping, and 23 acres of traditional parkland.
There’s a ‘but’
While the city’s vision was largely validated, the Coastal Commission attached vital strings to its sign-off. Regulators required San Diego to reroute a planned pedestrian and cycling path away from sensitive wetland habitats. They also ordered the relocation of a proposed nature center out of zones vulnerable to future sea-level rise.
The ambitious project seeks to rectify decades of habitat loss. It will also improve water quality and promote carbon sequestration.
The complete transformation of this area will be a monumental, multi-generational project. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the phased design and construction process could take 20 to 30 years to fully execute – with total costs estimated to reach up to $1 billion.
