Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Navy Broadway Complex Hearing

The Navy held a public hearing last night on the proposed Navy Broad way Complex on the downtown waterfront. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Navy Broadway Complex Hearing

(Photo: Navy Subject Experts at the sparsely attended  Navy Broadway Public Hearing. Alison St John/KPBS )

The Navy held a public hearing last night on the proposed Navy Broad way Complex on  the downtown waterfront . KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Advertisement

The Navy held the hearing because a federal judge ruled it must involve the public more in the environmental impacts of the new development.

The Navy plans to build a high rise headquarters on the bay, to replace its current aging facility. The cost would be covered by leasing out adjacent bay-front land for commercial development.

Turnout at the hearing was sparse.

But Mike Copass, who works downtown was concerned that the headquarters could become a target, belying the Navy’s mission to protect public safety.

Copass : I’d like to see the navy show leadership by fulfilling that mission by moving sensitive and risky installations away from urban areas there’s secure areas in 32 nd street in Miramar    that aren’t’ in the middle of an urban area, in fact, upwind.

Advertisement

But Navy Captain Matt Brown says the new building would only replace the existing Navy Region Southwest logistics center, where staff already operate downtown.

Brown : - have been since the 1920s. The new building is designed to meet all federal standards, with today’s environment in minds and safety is an important part of that planning process. So we think it’s a good and appropriate thing that we’re here in downtown San Diego and we look forward to continuing that presence.

San Diego Congresswoman Susan Davis has promised to attend another hearing on the project next week to listen to the public’s concerns. Alison St John, KPBS News.

A big decision awaits some voters this April as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.