SAN DIEGO — Ever since the mobile home park closed there has been a big question of what to do with the available land in Mission Bay Park.
Residents have wondered what will go on the new acreage and how that would impact recreational mainstays, like the Mission Bay Golf Course.
A proposal went before the city’s planning commission on Thursday. It's called De Anza Natural and it is proposing amendments to the Mission Bay Park Master Plan.
They approved it unanimously, with one member absent.
The vote took place after dozens of people voiced their opinions about the proposed future of De Anza Cove.
Environmentalists want more marshland to enhance water quality, cleaner air and help fight sea level rise.
Meanwhile, campers, golfers, and others who use the nearby tennis courts and athletic fields are hoping those areas are left untouched.
"We should do nothing to displace the De Anza recreation area and if possible, increase it," said one speaker.
"Climate change and the impact of climate change are what we should use our public spaces for," said another speaker.
It was a battle over how much of the land would be dedicated to marshland and how much to recreational activities, like the nearby baseball fields and golf course.
Initially, there was fear that the amount of space dedicated to marshlands and camping would force out recreational activities.
However, a compromise was reached in June that allocated about 10 percent more of the area to recreational activities.
The share of recreational activities increased from 60 to 66 acres.
Another area of concern is the future of Campland on the Bay, as well as businesses around it.
The approved plan designates the area Campland currently sits in as marshland, and doesn't allow for motorized boating.
Jim McCoy says that would force his rental company to close.
“If you adopt this current plan and do away with motorized equipment, you're essentially going to put me out of business.”
The plan does allow for camping elsewhere, meaning Campland and other businesses could apply for relocation.
But, the area designates 14 fewer acres for camping.
Still, Campland's owners say they support the plan.
“We believe the De Anza Natural Plan is a step forward for Mission Bay Park and of the options currently being considered, the one that does the best to balance recreation, economics and environment.”
There are 505 acres slated to be redeveloped in this plan.
The majority of the acreage will be dedicated to marshlands and campsites.
Thursday's approval means this plan will now be considered by the Sand Diego City Council, before going to the California Coastal Commission.
As for a timeline, the Planning Commission says it will be several years before any changes are made, due to a long approval and permitting process.