San Diego Bay plan faces setback
Coastal panel objects to restaurant project’s design over concerns about access.
Coastal commission’s concerns over public access could delay restaurant project.
SAN DIEGO — A $13-million replacement project for Anthony’s Fish Grotto, which recently closed after 71 years on San Diego Bay, ran into objections from the California Coastal Commission this week that could delay the project for months, if not years.
The commission staff gave developers 10 days file an appeal, ending Feb. 21. Last year, the San Diego Unified Port District of Portside Pier approved a three-restaurant project by Brigantine Restaurants.
But the commission’s staff raised concerns about public access, architectural design and additional coverage over the water.
The coastal staff also is sparring with the port district over jurisdiction. The port argues that the commission has no right to review restaurant projects, but the coastal staff says it does.
“As a steward of the tidelands, we are developing the port in a responsible manner,” the port said in a statement. “It is not unusual for public agencies, in the course of our duties, to have disagreements. In those cases, the port works toward amicable resolutions.”
Both design and appeal could come up at the commission’s March 8-11 meeting in Ventura or in San Diego in May. If there is no resolution on jurisdiction or design issues, the project could end up in protracted negotiations or litigation. The port also stands to lose out on rental income from the Brigantine project if Portside Pier opens later than planned.
“That’s not in anybody’s best interest,” said Brigantine President and Chief Executive Mike Morton Jr., referring to any lengthy delay.
Demolition of the Anthony’s building is projected to begin by year’s end with an opening next year. The Brigantine project still needs a go-ahead from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Morton said.
In a letter to the port Feb. 2, the coastal commission’s district manager, Deborah Lee, laid out her agency’s views that restaurants are a form of “shopping facilities” that the California Coastal Act says the commission can review.
In its response Monday, the port’s deputy general counsel, Rebecca Harrington, said restaurants are not explicitly listed as one of the things the commission can review.
“A restaurant is not a ‘shopping facility,’ ” Harrington said, and therefore Portside Pier’s development permit cannot be appealed to the commission.
Anthony’s, which began as a small diner near the old Coronado ferry landing at the foot of Pacific Highway in 1946, opened its most recent location covering 23,285 square feet in a one-story structure at 1360 N. Harbor Drive in 1966. The company had hoped to remain as part of a redeveloped restaurant complex on the site, but the port selected Brigantine instead. Anthony’s served its last meal Jan. 31, and is moving to auction the contents this month and turn over the property to the port by the May 1 deadline.
Brigantine plans a 37,225-squarefoot replacement on a slightly larger platform to accommodate a Brigantine on the Bay, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch & Grill Taps and a walk-up gelato and coffee bar. The 565-squarefoot dock-and-dine would be enlarged to 3,370 square feet to accommodate up to 12 vessels, and a second-floor public viewing deck would represent a new feature. A public walkway would surround the development.
Lee said the coastal staff does not think public access is sufficient, because visitors would have to walk through the restaurant to get to the walkway and observation deck. The proposed signs appear so small that many passersby might not realize those areas are accessible without having to buy food or drink. She also said the development, which will be built on top of new pilings, will cover more of the water than Anthony’s.
In a letter to the port last summer, the commission staff also mentioned parking and lighting issues and the effect of rising sea levels.