Port of San Diego’s Environmental Impact Report for the Old Police Headquarters & Park Project Captures Statewide Outstanding Document Award

The Port of San Diego’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Old Police Headquarters & Park Project is the recipient of the 2007 Outstanding Environmental Analysis Document award from the California Association of Environmental Professionals. The Port’s EIR was selected from nominated EIR documents submitted by various cities, counties and other public agencies throughout the state.

“The talent of port staff continues to shine through on projects such as this,” said Sylvia Rios, Chairwoman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “I think this award indicates the staff’s extraordinary professionalism,” she said.

This EIR analyzed all environmental aspects of the project, while concentrating on the preservation of the historic and architectural integrity of the Old Police Headquarters building. The building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been vacant since 1987, will be adapted into a mix of restaurant, retail and entertainment uses. Other components of the project include a new “Pier Walk Building” that will replace the former Harbor Seafood Mart, as well as the creation of a new three-acre waterfront park.

“The effort to achieve this award was the result of outstanding community input and the hard work of the Port staff and its consultant team,” said Ralph Hicks, Director of the Port’s Land Use Planning department. The San Diego-based consulting firm PBS&J prepared the EIR.

Preparation of this EIR involved extensive public outreach and review of the document. The Board of Port Commissioners certified this EIR in February, 2006, and issued a Coastal Development Permit for the Old Police Headquarters rehabilitation portion of the plan in December, 2006.

“This award is a state recognition of the Port’s efforts to preserve important historical and architectural resources for a use that can be enjoyed by the entire community,” said John Helmer, Manager of the Port’s Land Use Planning department.

The California Association of Environmental Professionals is a non-profit organization of professionals working to improve skills as environmental practitioners and natural resource managers. The association is dedicated to the enhancement, maintenance and protection of the natural and human environment.