Construction Anticipated to Begin Summer 2021

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has authorized issuance of a Coastal Development Permit to Pacifica Companies for its Amara Bay Roadway Construction and Improvements Project within the Chula Vista Bayfront. The project is another significant step forward in transforming the bayfront as envisioned by the Port, City of Chula Vista and Pacifica in the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan. Specifically, it will improve public access to the bayfront and various utilities and make way for Pacifica’s Amara Bay residential and commercial development.

“The Chula Vista Bayfront project is part of the Port of the future, and Pacifica Companies is an important partner in realizing the economic and public access potential of this part of the South Bay,” said Commissioner Ann Moore, Chula Vista’s representative on the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “After more than a decade of planning and investment, and with this and other projects underway or breaking ground very soon, the makeover is happening right before our eyes.”

At approximately 535 acres, the Chula Vista Bayfront Project is transforming a largely vacant and underutilized industrial landscape into a thriving recreational, residential and resort destination on the Chula Vista waterfront. Projects underway include the Costa Vista RV Resort, slated to open in April; and Sweetwater Bicycle and Pedestrian Path, a portion of which is open and slated to be fully open in early spring. Early work, including site preparation and public infrastructure, on the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, to be developed by RIDA Chula Vista, is anticipated to begin in summer 2021.

“We are thrilled that our vision for the Chula Vista Bayfront is taking shape,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “These infrastructure improvements are the start of the Amara Bay housing and commercial development and bring us one step closer to creating a world-class destination.”

“This is an exciting day that is 20 years in the making,” said Ash Israni, Chairman of Pacifica Companies. “This infrastructure is the backbone not just for our Amara Bay project, but for the entire Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan. We’re thrilled to be finally taking this step to bring the vision for a world-class bayfront to fruition.”

The Amara Bay Roadway Construction and Improvement Project will improve and realign J Street, a portion of Marina Parkway, and a portion of Marina Way. It will also construct a portion of two new public streets, temporarily called Street A and Street C, and associated utility and landscaping improvements between Bay Boulevard and Marina Way. Construction will also include sewer, water and drainage improvements.

It is anticipated that the first phase of construction will start in summer 2021. The public should plan for road closures and follow detours per construction signage. It’s important to note that access to the boat launch, Marina View Park, Chula Vista Bayfront Park and the Harbor Police facility will remain uninterrupted. The J Street realignment and improvement is anticipated to be completed within 12 months, while the construction and improvements to other streets are anticipated to be completed within 18 months.

Pacifica’s Amara Bay residential and commercial development, which will be located within the City of Chula Vista’s jurisdiction on the bayfront, will include 33 acres of condominiums, commercial office, retail space, and a 250-room hotel. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022.

Amara Bay Roadway Construction and Improvement Project Details

Phase 1:

• J Street, a portion of Marina Parkway (approximately 1,400 linear feet) and a portion of Marina Way (approximately 550 linear feet) will be improved and widened to incorporate wider travel lanes (ranging from 72 feet to 97 feet), 12-foot wide bike path, 5-foot wide sidewalk and a 9-foot wide landscaped parkway.
• The intersection of J Street and Marina Parkway will be reconfigured from the existing sharp curve to a 90-degree angle.
• A portion of Marina Way will be realigned to the north of its existing alignment.
• Improvements to Marina Parkway will occur on land that is currently part of the exiting Marina View Park. Some improvements, including reconfiguration of the existing parking lot, will be completed. Portions of the park will be part of the construction zone at various times, and such access may be limited during those times, but would not be restricted.
• A temporary vehicular access road from Bay Boulevard will be connected to Marina Parkway and Marina Way to ensure access to the Marina View Park, Bayfront Park, boat launch, Harbor Police facility and existing marinas would not be interrupted as the Project will result in the temporary closure of the existing J Street segment from Bay Boulevard to Marina Parkway.
• As an alternative to the temporary access road, Pacifica may phase the J Street closure.
• Temporary relocation of Marina View Park parking to a new area directly west of the existing parking lot, south of Marina Way (approximately 28 spaces). In addition, a temporary parking lot consisting of approximately 75 spaces is proposed.

Phase 2: (Timing dependent on future phases of the overall Amara Bay development.)

• Construction of a portion of Street A (approximately 1,400 linear feet) and a portion of Street C (approximately 1,125 linear feet) that are located along the frontage of the Pacifica property.
• Grading and fill to bring the elevation of the streets to accommodate the Port’s recommendations on sea level rise.