Two Sides to Waterfront Development

Waterfront development has two sides: water and land. In a philosophical sense, the two sides and competing ideals are growth vs. access. We believe that waterfront developments need more than bike and walking paths. What good is a new housing complex if you can’t get in the water and don’t have the services available to support on-the-water activities, like sailing?

The initial artist renderings for the $2 billion, 28-acre Forest City redevelopment of Pier 70 in San Francisco show just that: A rusty anchor sits as a decoration on shore, while a bicyclist pedals waterside and droves of people sit on the grass looking longingly at the Bay. Missing are docks to launch a kayak, SUP or, heaven forbid, a small sailboat.

Granted, we haven’t done a full investigation of the developer’s website, but the rip rap being built between the people and the Bay look more like border walls than a gateway to the water. 

In related news, Save Alameda’s Working Waterfront (SAWW) is inviting supporters to the Alameda City Council meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, November 7 at 7 p.m. SAWW will be making a brief presentation during the Non-Agenda Public Speaking portion of the meeting (at about 7:15). Council Chambers are on the third floor of City Hall at the corner of Oak and Santa Clara.