On behalf of the Coronado Republican Club (CRC), we write to express our full support for Mayor John Duncan and our entire City Council for their principled stance on the recent jarring decision by the Port of San Diego to decline renewal of the master lease at the Coronado Ferry Landing, held by Port Coronado Associates (PCA).

The PCA lease now expires in June 2026, leaving Ferry Landing tenants in limbo, the $20 million investment on hold, and our community’s vision for progress derailed.

The Coronado Ferry Landing is more than a retail hub, it is the welcoming gateway to our unique city, where families stroll the waterfront, visitors catch their first enchanting glimpse of San Diego Bay, and small businesses there thrive as a lifeblood of our community.

The inexplicable action by the Port of San Diego not only halts a vital $20 million redevelopment project, it erodes trust with Ferry Landing tenants (many of whom are local small business owners) as well as the general public’s trust. The Port is flouting the spirit of the California Public Trust Doctrine, which demands waterfront lands serve the public good through transparent partnerships.

For decades, PCA (the developer and private operator of the Coronado Ferry Landing) has stewarded this iconic site under a lease with the Port. PCA has invested in its upkeep and engaged fully with the Coronado community to craft a comprehensive redevelopment plan that would transform it into a vibrant destination while honoring its timeless charm.

The plan, honed through years of public outreach, garnered broad backing from residents, businesses, and elected officials alike. It promised not just aesthetic enhancements—new dining options, improved public spaces, and sustainable features—but also a surge in economic activity: jobs for locals, increased tourism revenue, and a stronger tax base.

Yet, in a closed-session decision shrouded in secrecy, and without explanation or negotiation, the Port’s Board of Commissioners rejected PCA’s renewal application on October 23, 2025. Additionally, Port staff informed PCA that the redevelopment project had been rejected outright. PCA immediately called the action “devastating” and highlighted that it appears to not be in compliance with Port Board Policy 355, which requires good-standing tenants like PCA a fair process to obtain lease term extensions through negotiation.

We commend the City Council’s resolve in challenging this unexpected action. We also appreciate Coronado’s Port Commissioner Frank Urtasun’s public comments that he disagrees with the way this matter has been handled by the Port, and that he does not support the Port stepping into the role of operating the Ferry Landing.

Rectifying this very troubling situation needs to be a top priority for the entire Coronado community and should transcend any partisan or ideological differences. It strikes at the heart of all local organizations’ shared commitment to preserving Coronado’s unique character, bolstering our local economy, and advocating for good governance.

In an era too often defined by division, this is a time for united action and advocacy. We pledge our Club’s full resources — our voices, networks, and volunteer energy — to press the Port to reconsider their decision: extend negotiations with PCA, consider harmful consequences to local small business tenants at the Ferry Landing, honor community input, and green-light the long overdue redevelopment plan.

We encourage all local clubs and organizations to conduct parallel advocacy efforts to help resolve this situation and reinstall a viable community-driven redevelopment plan for the Ferry Landing.

Our city’s well-known logo is a crown. Let’s come together and ensure the Coronado Ferry Landing remains one of our brightest shining jewels.

Together, as one Coronado, we will prevail.

With optimism,

We encourage concerned residents and others who care about the future of Ferry Landing to contact the Board of Port Commissioners directly to express your opinions.

Scott Chadwick, President & CEO: schadwick@portofsandiego.org

Danielle Moore, Chair: dmoore@portofsandiego.org

Ann Moore, Vice Chair: amoore@portofsandiego.org

Michael Zucchet, Secretary: mzucchet@portofsandiego.orgn b

Dan Malcom: dmalcolm@portofsandiego.org

Gilanthony Ungab: gungab@portofsandiego.org

Frank Urtasun: furtasun@portofsandiego.org

Sid Voorakkara; furtasun@portofsandiego.org

VOL. 115, NO. 46 – Nov. 12, 2025