Click on the questions to see answers.
1. What is a General Development Plan?
A General Development Plan (GDP) is a term used by the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department when describing a plan that is a refinement of concepts already described in a master plan. In the case of Fiesta Island, the GDP is a refinement of the 1994 Mission Bay Park Master Plan. A better description for this project might be a Precise Park and Recreation Plan for Fiesta Island.
2. Will the island be developed or will new leases be established?
Though the word development is used in the title, no commercial leases or businesses will occur on the island. The only development on the island will be either open space, habitat, or recreation oriented. No leases are contemplated. A concession to operate the proposed primitive tent campground and a concession building at the over the line sand arena are indicated in the adopted master plan. These concessions would be implemented through an annual renewable agreement, not a long term land lease.
3. Will current uses be forced off the island?
All current uses are presently slated to remain on the island, with the possible exception of the City of San Diego Sand Maintenance area (located just inside the entrance road, behind the sand berms.) The master plan does not discuss this use, nor does it identify any other site(s) for its relocation. Therefore, some of the proposed alternatives include continuation of this use while others include its removal from the island.
4. Why is the City of San Diego moving forward on this project if they cannot afford it?
Though the city has serious financial issues, there are identified funding sources earmarked for Fiesta Island as well as many potential state and federal grants available for which the city could apply, once a General Development Plan is completed. In addition, part of the effort of this project is to identify a phasing plan that will allow island improvements to be constructed in a logical sequence, as funding becomes available.
5. Why can’t the master plan be implemented as is?
Several reasons: a master plan is a conceptual document that requires additional studies and refinement prior to implementation. Environmental conditions have changed since 1994, funding and cost issues need updating, and phasing is not addressed in the master plan. Additionally, no part of the master plan adopted in 1994 can be implemented without the preparation and adoption of a GDP. It must be adopted by the Mission Bay Park Committee, the Park and Recreation Board and the Planning Commission. In addition, the Environment Impact Report completed for the master plan must be amended, if necessary, to accommodate any changed conditions. Permits are also required from the California Coastal Commission and a variety of other resource agencies, including a Site Development Permit from the City of San Diego prior to any implementation. All of these steps will be accomplished with the completion of the GDP.
6. Why has this project been reactiviated?
It is the responsibility of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department to provide for adequate park and recreation facilities for its citizens. The master plan recognized this requirement, but limited action on Fiesta Island has been taken since the adoption of the plan in 1994. Our local and regional population has increased substantially since that time and, as a result, the city has an even greater deficit in its park facilities.
Based on recent approvals from the Costal Commission and amendments to the Master Plan and Local Coastal Program, the City has been reminded of their obligation to prepare plans for increased access and facilities on Fiesta Island. Also, as the City of San Diego allocates more of the Mission Bay Lease money for capital improvements, plans and permits need to be in place for these funds to be utilized.
Finally, a number of issues need to be addressed and corrected in the near future that will require guidance and agreement on a plan. Erosion and siltation is occurring along portions of the island shore that must be addressed. A variety of known and previously unknown sensitive species have been found on the island and increased protection and enhancement is needed. Water quality improvements in this portion of Mission Bay are needed and the addition of restrooms on the island, stormwater runoff control, shoreline stabilization, construction of natural treatment wetlands and a hydrologic connection between the South and North Pacific Passageway needs to be implemented to improve these conditions. Traffic congestion and roadway conditions will also require improvements due to increased popularity and usage of the island.
7. Why does anything have to change?
In addition to the reasons given to Question # 6 above, a variety of new facilities and re-location of other facilities is needed to improve efficiency, to meet environmental requirements and to provide even better access to this important coastal resource. This does not mean that the current uses need to be negatively affected by any of these changes. The island includes over 485 acres, some of which is intensively used (around the shoreline) some of which is periodically intensively used (Over the Line area , Youth Aquatic Center and campground), some of which is moderately used most of the time (leash free dog walking area) and some which rarely gets used at all (most of the interior of the island). There are enough acres for all uses to remain and some to expand.
8. Will dogs be prevented from use on the Island under any new plans?
The adopted Master Plan did not address this issue. Subsequent to the Master Plan, the City Council approved policies allowing leash free uses on Fiesta Island only until the adoption of a long-term plan showing all uses and facilities within the island. At that time, the Council would amend the current policies.
It is not the intent of the General Development Plan to prohibit dogs use of the island nor to remove leash free fenced areas or other areas to which dogs currently have access. However, some of these areas may need to be adjusted with some (not all) of the shoreline edge being converted to more improved levels of parkland and some (not all) of the leash free areas may be shifted towards the center of the island.
Furthermore, the current experience of a fenced-in leash free area, along the water’s edge, is intended to be maintained, albeit, not at the full acreage that now exists. Other portions of the island will remain as leash free without a fence while some areas of restored habitat will require more fencing to prevent access.
9. How will the character and informal uses of the island change?
The adopted Master Plan shows a significant amount of the shoreline edge as being improved to recreational shoreline with the roadway and parking located further inland. It is clear that a substantial number of Fiesta Island users enjoy the ability to pull off the edge of the road, pull out a chair or blanket and use the shoreline edge just as it is, day or night. The GDP will attempt to find a better balance between the rustic and informal uses that currently exist and those proposed in the master plan. Again, the island is large enough to accommodate a variety of park and open space experiences. Your input will be able to help us set this balance.
10. How can I best provide input on this project?
First, fill out the on-line questionnaire and survey if you have not already.
Second, provide input on this web page using the fiestaislandgdp@ktua.com e-mail address.
Third, review the materials on the web page to become more informed about the project.
Fourth, watch for meeting dates and agendas where you can attend future meetings, including the Mission Bay Park Committee and special community meetings and workshops.
Above all, please try to provide specific input and constructive suggestions on how the plan can be developed to meet all user expectations. This includes how you are currently using the island, what you think should be on the island to support specific types of uses and where these facilities (if any) should be located.
