Friday, July 17, 2026
Port of San Diego releases draft EIR for Harbor Island redevelopment
The Port of San Diego has opened public review of a draft environmental impact report for a proposed East Harbor Island redevelopment featuring a waterfront park, a Topgolf entertainment venue and new public amenities. Comments are due by Aug. 24.
The Port of San Diego has released a draft environmental impact report (EIR) for a proposed redevelopment of East Harbor Island that would transform an industrial waterfront area into a public park and entertainment district anchored by a Topgolf venue.
The draft EIR is available for public review through Aug. 24, with written comments due by 5 p.m. that day. The document can be reviewed online and in person at the Port of San Diego's district clerk's office and the San Diego Central Library.
The proposed project would redevelop a portion of East Harbor Islaand near Harbor Police Headquarters and across from San Diego International Airport. The site is currently used for off-airport surface parking, rental car operations, and temporary airport construction support.
According to the Port, the redevelopment is intended to expand public access to the bayfront while introducing new recreational and commercial uses.
Plans include a 10.1-acre waterfront park featuring a 20-foot-wide public promenade, plazas, playgrounds, shaded seating areas, public art, restrooms and other amenities. The proposal also includes a 16.5-acre entertainment district centered on a 9.8-acre Topgolf facility, along with additional dining and entertainment concepts that would be selected through a competitive solicitation process.
The project also calls for improvements to transportation and public infrastructure, including the realignment of Liberator Way, construction of new public parking, pedestrian sidewalks, landscaping, utility upgrades, and modifications to intersections at North Harbor Drive and Harbor Island Drive.
Port officials emphasized that neither the redevelopment project nor the proposed Topgolf facility has been approved by the Board of Port Commissioners.
After the public comment period closes, Port staff will prepare responses to comments and incorporate them into a final environmental impact report. The final document, along with any necessary Port Master Plan amendment, is expected to be presented to Port Commissioners later this year for consideration.
At that time, commissioners are also expected to consider an option-to-lease agreement for the proposed Topgolf site. Additionally, the Port plans to issue a request for proposals for adjacent development parcels, although a timeline for that process has not yet been announced.
The draft EIR is available for public review through Aug. 24, with written comments due by 5 p.m. that day. The document can be reviewed online and in person at the Port of San Diego's district clerk's office and the San Diego Central Library.
The proposed project would redevelop a portion of East Harbor Islaand near Harbor Police Headquarters and across from San Diego International Airport. The site is currently used for off-airport surface parking, rental car operations, and temporary airport construction support.
According to the Port, the redevelopment is intended to expand public access to the bayfront while introducing new recreational and commercial uses.
Plans include a 10.1-acre waterfront park featuring a 20-foot-wide public promenade, plazas, playgrounds, shaded seating areas, public art, restrooms and other amenities. The proposal also includes a 16.5-acre entertainment district centered on a 9.8-acre Topgolf facility, along with additional dining and entertainment concepts that would be selected through a competitive solicitation process.
The project also calls for improvements to transportation and public infrastructure, including the realignment of Liberator Way, construction of new public parking, pedestrian sidewalks, landscaping, utility upgrades, and modifications to intersections at North Harbor Drive and Harbor Island Drive.
Port officials emphasized that neither the redevelopment project nor the proposed Topgolf facility has been approved by the Board of Port Commissioners.
After the public comment period closes, Port staff will prepare responses to comments and incorporate them into a final environmental impact report. The final document, along with any necessary Port Master Plan amendment, is expected to be presented to Port Commissioners later this year for consideration.
At that time, commissioners are also expected to consider an option-to-lease agreement for the proposed Topgolf site. Additionally, the Port plans to issue a request for proposals for adjacent development parcels, although a timeline for that process has not yet been announced.
