mega-yacht marina plan scuttled
A proposed marina for mega-yachts will no longer block some of the city's most treasured views of the bay, thanks to a compromise between San Francisco and the America's Cup.
Under the new plan announced Friday, organizers will give up their long-term development rights for piers 14 to 22 1/2 in exchange for the rights to develop Pier 54 in Mission Bay. At issue was the section of waterfront by Rincon Park, which, as Chronicle stories highlighted this summer, provides one of the few open water views of the bay along the Embarcadero.
But as city and cup officials celebrated, and key construction permits for the races sailed through the Port Commission, opponents were seeking to delay the world's premier regatta.
Four environmental and neighborhood groups are appealing the event's final environmental impact report. The eight-volume document, which by state law must be completed before construction begins, earned the Planning Commission's unanimous approval Thursday.
The analysis fails to fully outline solutions to traffic jams, damage to plant life and other environmental problems, argue the Telegraph Hill Dwellers, San Francisco Tomorrow, the Golden Gate Audubon Society and Waterfront Watch.
Absent is "a complete and informationally adequate study of impacts on adjacent neighborhoods," wrote attorney Keith Wagner of Lippe Gaffney Wagner LLP in the appeal.
The appeal is not necessarily a major setback to the regatta, which is scheduled to begin in eight months. It "was always built into the project schedule," said Brad Benson, special projects manager for the port.
The next step comes in January, when the Board of Supervisors will consider the appeal. And if supervisors decide to let the project proceed, opponents could sue.
"If the appeal is not resolved successfully," Benson said, "that would cause delays."
The America's Cup Village, the walkable area planned for Piers 27 to 29 by July 2013, could be stalled. Also at risk is a separate project to take shape on Pier 27 in February: the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal - an 88,000-square-foot facility for cruise ships - and the 2.5-acre Northeast Wharf Plaza.
Rincon Tower San Francisco - News
She said at least five new dog parks are planned in Rincon Hill, Heron's Head and Park Merced. “There's a portion of the Bernal Hill park that is just too steep and it's not used anyway,” Ballard said. But Stephens said if Rec and Park claims impact on
The analysis fails to fully outline solutions to traffic jams, damage to plant life and other environmental problems, argue the Telegraph Hill Dwellers, San Francisco Tomorrow, the Golden Gate Audubon Society and Waterfront Watch.
Dog play areas will be added in new places like Rincon Hill, a once-desolate part of SoMa that has been newly developed as a residential area (as people arrived, so did their dogs). It is an indication, despite the growing signs of a pushing back,
Blame Sally ---- San Francisco folk-rock quartet; 7:30 pm March 3; AMSDconcerts, 4650 Mansfield St. (Normal Heights United Methodist Church), San Diego; $20; $47, dinner package; amsdconcerts.com or 619-303-8176. Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis ---- 8 pm
Rincon Hill. 10 am Friday: San Jose Bike Party: The Pajama Ride. Continue the holiday tradition of “riding through the lit up neighborhoods of the South Bay while spreading good cheer while wearing pajamas and sipping hot cocoa.” 7:30 pm Sunday: SF