We, the undersigned, call for an immediate reevaluation and suspension of the Chula Vista Bayfront Redevelopment Plan—a $1.3 billion project that prioritizes private developer profits over public interest, transparency, and environmental stewardship.

⚠️ Key Concerns

1. Delayed Public Benefit & Questionable ROI

• The city will not see meaningful revenue from the project until at least 2037, per Port projections.
• Taxpayer-backed infrastructure investments are front-loaded, while profits flow to private developers like RIDA Development and Pacifica Companies.
• No binding guarantees exist for reinvestment into Westside Chula Vista or affordable housing.

2. Conflicts of Interest & Lack of Transparency

• Mayor John McCann’s ownership of property near Silver Strand raises ethical concerns about proximity to the development zone.
• Promotional content for the Bayfront project previously appeared on a website affiliated with the mayor’s spouse, which has since been quietly taken down—raising questions about undisclosed influence and coordination.
• The city has failed to provide clear disclosures about these relationships or recuse involved parties from decision-making.

Disclaimer:
The information presented above is based on publicly available records, political disclosures, and reputable news reporting. This petition does not allege any unlawful conduct, but raises concerns about transparency, potential conflicts of interest, and the appearance of impropriety in public decision-making. All statements are made in good faith and intended to promote civic accountability and informed public discourse.

 

3. Privatization of Public Waterfront

• Nearly all parcels are slated for private ownership or long-term lease, effectively removing public control over one of the last undeveloped coastal zones in Southern California.
• Public access will be limited to curated “view corridors” and commercial zones, not open green space or community-led amenities.

4. Environmental & Traffic Impact

• The development will significantly increase traffic congestion along E Street, Marina Parkway, and I-5, with no robust transit mitigation plan.
• Sensitive wetlands and coastal ecosystems face disruption from hotel, convention center, and luxury housing construction.
• Environmental impact reports have been criticized for underestimating long-term damage and ignoring cumulative effects.

5. Gentrification & Displacement

• The project accelerates gentrification of Westside Chula Vista, a historically working-class and immigrant community.
• Rising property values and speculative investment threaten to displace long-term residents without offering protections or reinvestment.

📢 Our Demands

We urge the City of Chula Vista and Port of San Diego to:

• Suspend all new permits and construction until a full independent audit is conducted.
• Release all communications and promotional materials involving elected officials and their affiliates.
• Guarantee public ownership of key waterfront parcels and expand community-led planning.
• Implement binding anti-displacement measures and reinvestment in Westside neighborhoods.
• Reopen public comment and Coastal Commission review with updated environmental and traffic data.

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Sign below to demand transparency, accountability, and a waterfront that serves the people—not just developers.