Group releases report on waterfront redevelopment

SAN DIEGO -- Six months after the effort was announced, a final plan to influence waterfront development, redesign the airport and establish a transportation hub in San Diego was released yesterday by a nonprofit organization chaired by former state Sen. Steve Peace.

The California Independent Voter Project issued "The Vision for San Diego's Waterfront," which calls for better coordination among local agencies involved in projects planned along the San Diego Bay.

The ideas have been given mixed reviews.

The plan recommends relocating terminals at San Diego International Airport to the Interstate 5 side of the runway and building a transportation center linking virtually all modes of travel. It also suggests moving the cruise ship terminal to National City, something the San Diego Unified Port District opposes.

Peace said he is hopeful that the 66-page report will help the region better protect its waterfront and prevent Harbor Drive from turning into a traffic-choked "tunnel."

"Now we just need to get out of the way," said Peace, adding that it was up to the public and government to draw from the ideas presented.

The three-year-old California Independent Voter Project is a nonpartisan group that receives funding from several sources, including Padres owner John Moores. Peace is Moores' senior adviser.

--M.M.