For the third time, San Diego City Council rejected a citizens' request for further environmental studies of the proposed Navy Broadway Project . But the council vote on the major water front development was not unanimous. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.
The project would build a new headquarters for the Navy opposite the USS Midway on the Bay. Developer Doug Manchester would also build high rise hotels along the water front.
A citizens' coalition opposes the project, and wants a new environmental review. They say the first review was granted 16 years ago. They say new information needs to be studied, such as possible seismic faults under the site.
Navy Admiral Len Herring accuses the Coalition of delaying tactics.
Herring: There are major financial impacts, as delay to date has already cost the U.S taxpayer tens of millions of dollars.
Councilwoman Toni Atkins who supported the project in the past, now says she thinks new information should be considered. She says the process is flawed.
Atkins: I have a real bad taste in my mouth on this one, I think the public has been done a real disservice here.
Atkins says she supports the Navy but the not this project.
But Councilman Jim Madaffer believes the development will eventually get a full seismic study. He says it should go ahead.
Madaffer: The Navy and Mr. Manchester have to follow the same rules, and I believe they will follow the rules just like Admiral Herring said.
The final council vote was 6-to-2 to let the project go ahead . Tony Atkins and Donna Frye opposed it.
Alison St John, KPBS News.
