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Commission Opposes Timeshare Hotel on Harbor Island

It's strike two for a planned timeshare hotel-resort on Harbor Island, just south of Lindbergh Field. The California Coastal Commission is against allowing timeshares on public land. KPBS reporter Ed

Commission Opposes Timeshare Hotel on Harbor Island

It's strike two for a planned timeshare hotel-resort on Harbor Island, just south of Lindbergh Field. The California Coastal Commission is against allowing timeshares on public land. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Port of San Diego asked the state coastal commission to do something it's never done: Approve a timeshare hotel-resort on public tidelands. The California Coastal Act allows development of low-cost accommodations on those lands, but Coastal Commission Executive Director Peter Douglas told commissioners that private ownership -- the timeshares -- is a bad idea.

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Douglas : These timeshare units simply would not be available as hotel rooms to the general public. They're exclusively available to the owners of the timeshare units. So, exclusivity on public trust lands is clearly contrary to coastal act policies.

Commissioners agreed. Before a vote, the Port withdrew its request. It's likely the Port may work with Woodfin developers to revise the plan. The commission previously rejected Woodfin's application for a coastal permit.

Developers say selling timeshares is crucial to finance the project.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.