Tuesday, November 26, 2019

San Diego Seaport Village Gains Tenants

By Karen Robes Meeks

Three popular local businesses will soon call the Port of San Diego’s Seaport Village home.

Port commissioners recently voted to approve leases for Mike Hess Brewing, Mr. Moto Pizza, and Spill the Beans, all of which are expected to open in 2020.

Mike Hess Brewing, which currently has locations in Miramar, North Park, Imperial Beach and Ocean Beach, will occupy a space along the waterfront boardwalk in the Carousel District north of the Pier Café. It will feature a beer tasting room and patio area with a full-service restaurant.

Mr. Moto Pizza will open its sixth location taking the space adjacent to Mike Hess Brewing in the Carousel District.

Opening a second location, specialty coffee and bagel shop Spill the Beans will move in to Seaport Village’s Lighthouse District across from the Marriott Marina near San Pasqual Winery.

“The port is thrilled to bring some new and established local favorites to the San Diego Bay waterfront for the enjoyment of San Diegans as well as those who visit us from across the country and around the world,” said Port Board Chairman Garry Bonelli. “These new tenants will help bring fresh energy and vitality to the diverse shops, unique eateries and outdoor entertainment already offered at the vibrant harbor-side hub.”

Everett Budget Supports Port Upgrades

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Everett’s $66.2 million budget for 2020 reflects a significant investment in its future and that of the region.

The 2020 fiscal plan includes $24.7 million in operating/non-operating expenses and $24.3 million in capital investment. Approximately $6.5 million has been put aside for environmental remediation and public access projects, and $9.2 million to pay the principal and interest of the port long-term debt.

The $24.3 million capital investment – $103.1 million through 2024 – will help fund 45 projects that further the port’s Strategic Plan. The plan includes upgrades to Seaport facilities, development of the former Kimberly-Clark mill site, and completion of Fisherman’s Harbor, which is Phase One of the port’s 65-acre mixed-use development at Waterfront Place.

The budget sets the financial framework for the port to continue delivering on the vision of a balanced Everett waterfront that supports maritime use at the urban deep-water Seaport, and mixed-use at the destination waterfront.

Port of Seattle to Fund Creek Remediation

By Karen Robes Meeks

Port of Seattle Commissioners moved to fund a portion of the Miller Creek restoration project in collaboration with the cities of Burien and SeaTac.

The motion to negotiate an inter-local agreement to allocate $800,000 of the $3.5 million joint project would help with the replacement of a failing culvert and the creation of 450 feet of new salmon spawning habitat on port land along Des Moines Memorial Drive. The creek supports existing runs of Coho salmon.

“When fully funded, this project will help restore Miller Creek to a more natural state, cooling and filtering the water to restore salmon habitat,” said Maiya Andrews, Public Works Director for the City of Burien.

SeaTac Public Works Director William Appleton said the project protects a sensitive environmental network and creates the potential for education and outreach.

“This is a fantastic opportunity that creates needed infrastructure and environmental improvements in a watershed that is one of the few salmon-bearing creeks in our area,” he said.