Port of San Diego Swears in 2019 Executive Officers for Board of Port Commissioners
The Port of San Diego swore in its 2019 Board of Port Commissioners Executive Officers on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 during ceremonies held at Coasterra restaurant on Harbor Island.
Garry Bonelli, who represents the City of Coronado, was sworn in as Chairman; Ann Moore, who represents the City of Chula Vista, was sworn in as Vice Chair; and Michael Zucchet, one of three City of San Diego representatives, was sworn in as Secretary.
During his inauguration speech, Chairman Bonelli stated his theme for 2019, “Renaissance on the Bay.”
“In old French, the word ‘renaissance’ means ‘rebirth.’ Nothing better describes the Port of San Diego and its waters, which churn and change ceaselessly, never quite the same from moment to moment. Each of us can look at San Diego Bay and see something different, which is as it should be,” Bonelli said.
Chairman Bonelli laid out four priorities for a new, better San Diego Bay in 2019 – clean water, the Port Master Plan Update (PMPU), the Chula Vista Bayfront project, and the Coronado Ferry Landing – and noted the progress the Port has already made. Bonelli reported that San Diego Bay is cleaner today than it has been in decades and will become cleaner still due to various Port programs and campaigns, as well as partnerships with many private organizations and public agencies. For the PMPU, public and stakeholder outreach continues in 2019 as Port staff prepares draft policies that are already becoming visible with greater innovation and sustainable development.
Launched in 2013 by Commissioner Ann Moore, the bay-wide planning effort, is often referred to as the “future of the Port” and will set a blueprint for developing the bay for decades to come. Public review of the draft PMPU and Environmental Impact Report is anticipated for 2019.
On the Chula Vista Bayfront, Bonelli shared that the next year promises highly visible progress: construction is anticipated to start on a new RV resort and a bike and pedestrian path; design will be finalized for two new parks; and work is on track to begin at the site of the resort hotel and convention center project.
For the Coronado Ferry Landing, Bonelli would like the Port to consider partnering with the City of Coronado and Port leaseholders to re-imagine the retail and restaurant development to offer residents and visitors an even more special experience.
