The Navy will extend the public comment period on the environmental impacts of its new Bay front headquarters until November 2nd.
San Diego Congressman Susan Davis supports those who say the Navy should rethink its decision to build in the middle of downtown.
KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.
The Navy plans to build its Fleet Contracting Headquarters on Harbor Drive, south of the Star of India and north of Sea Port Village.
City leaders have reluctantly approved the project, which was based on an agreement signed with the navy in 1992.
But Congresswoman Davis attended the final public hearing and says the Navy should reconsider. She says the site on San Diego’s waterfront is one of the most desirable public spaces on the west coast.
Davis : I have really struggled with the idea that we are creating a Mecca for tourists, a place where San Diegans would go, would recreate, but at the same time we have this facility here, very important to the Navy, but creating a footprint that just doesn’t feel like it's complementary to those kinds of activities.
But Admiral Len Hering says the land belongs to the U.S. Navy, not to the city.
Hering : This belongs to the U.S. Taxpayer, this belongs to the citizen of Boston as much as it belongs to any one of us. Congress directed us to maintain a footprint here, the Navy is executing a direction of the Congress, not executing local requirements or anything else.
A federal judge ordered the Navy to hold the latest round of public hearings. But the Navy only has to respond to the public’s comments. The feedback may not affect the future of the project.
Alison St John, KPBS news.
