Bets on the Bay Front

So you may have wondered why we haven’t posted on the saga that surrounds our bay front.

Well, that’s because plenty of others are doing just that.  There have been articles in the UT, The Star News, The Reader and - it also garnished an exclusive assignment for one Voice of SD reporter.

In a nutshell this is where we stand:

• A land swap was approved to preserve sensitive natural habitats, while allowing development on land that is further away.

• The power plant is no longer producing power and surrounding communities are more protected from the harmful impacts of its operation.

• A new port commissioner was appointed.  

• The power plant must be dismantled and moved before development can occur.  Dynegy  (the company who owns the plant) has a responsibility and funding to remove it BUT they may be filing bankruptcy, so then what happens?

• I'll spare you the details (they can be found in the linked articles above), but questions circled about WHO was negotiating on behalf of the city, is the money for dismantling protected from bankruptcy, and is the city and the port acting in the most expeditiously and responsive way to protect the interest of the city, its residents and the region?

There is most definitely a thread of politics woven throughout each statement, action, and process ... 

However, I think the Port did a great job in issuing a comprehensive list  of steps that have been taken and still need to be taken.

All that said .... I really only care about whether something is going to actually happen on the bay front.  

Do you think we will have the world-class bay front we deserve in our lifetimes? Our children’s? Our grandchildren’s? OR do you like our bay front just the way it is now, with no development?

Taking bets now .... what’s yours?