Cal-Coast Development Readies Submittal for a 50-Acre Mixed Use Project on San Leandro’s Shoreline

Oct. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- Project Reflects a Vision Developed in Conjunction with a Citizens Advisory Committee

After four years of planning in partnership with the City of San Leandro and a group of citizen volunteers, Cal-Coast Development is readying a project submittal for a substantial development along the San Francisco Bay in San Leandro.

“The Shoreline Development has the potential to transform the large and vacant asphalt parking lots next to the boat harbor in the Marina into a high-quality dining and commercial area with walk and bike paths for the public," stated Mayor Stephen Cassidy. “Thanks to the work of an incredibly dedicated group of citizens, we have developed a vision of this site for San Leandrans and visitors to our community to enjoy for decades.”

The project is slated to include a 200-room hotel and conference facility, new restaurants, up to 250,000 square feet of office space, a community building, and 188 residential units in a variety of configurations.  The development includes a small boat launch ramp and aquatic center to promote hand powered watercraft as well as a waterfront promenade with pedestrian piers, bike lanes and new park space.  The development was designed to complement other public amenities at the shoreline including the Monarch Bay championship golf course, Marina Park, and popular par course. Horatio’s, owned by Restaurants Unlimited, and The Marina Inn, a privately owned and operated hotel, are incorporated into the master plan. The City plans to retain ownership of the land and negotiate a long-term ground lease with Cal-Coast.

A 30 plus member Citizens Advisory Committee was formed in 2008 to help shape the vision for this project. The group has been meeting regularly with City staff and Cal-Coast to develop a Conceptual Master Plan (http://www.sanleandro.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?B...) for the site. To date, more than 50 public meetings and workshops have been held on the site design and development process.

“Although a great deal of work remains to be done, we have reached a significant milestone in the process,” stated Cal-Coast president Ed Miller. “A waterfront site like this one - with access to transportation infrastructure, fiber optic broadband, and incredible natural amenities – makes the challenging process worthwhile.”

The City learned in September that it has been awarded a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to expand Lit San Leandro, a public-private partnership that is bringing fiber optic Internet speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second to much of San Leandro. One of the expansion segments will bring the fiber network to the shoreline site. “With a state-of-the-art broadband connection and an unmatched waterfront location on the San Francisco Bay, this site is now well-positioned to attract a premium high-tech tenant for the office component of the project,” stated Cynthia Battenberg, San Leandro’s Business Development Manager.

The next step for the project will be the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report, which is expected to take roughly 18 months. Securing required permits and approvals from the various agencies, including the Bay Conservation and Development District (BCDC), as well as finalizing the terms of development with the City will begin following certification of the EIR. City officials have been in regular contact with BCDC and have incorporated some suggestions from BCDC staff into the Conceptual Master Plan, particularly as it relates to designs for the harbor basin. Construction is tentatively expected to begin in 2016.

About San Leandro

A diverse community of nearly 85,000 residents, San Leandro maintains a safe, small town feel, while offering a wide range of shopping, dining, recreation amenities, miles of shoreline, and easy access to nearby regional parks and nature areas.  

Located in the center of the San Francisco Bay Area, San Leandro enjoys close proximity to the Oakland International Airport and Port of Oakland, and is served by two major freeways and two BART stations. Through a public-private partnership known as Lit San Leandro, an eleven-mile fiber optic loop is under construction in the city’s large industrial and commercial zone.  Lit San Leandro will assist a new set of businesses to leverage San Leandro’s assets and become industry leaders in the data revolution.  Further information about Lit San Leandro can be found at www.litsanleandro.com.

Visit the City’s website at www.sanleandro.org for more information on the City’s programs and services.  To register to automatically receive press releases, meeting agendas or other electronic notifications, go to www.sanleandro.org/portal/default.asp.