Can The Port Force These Private Piers Into Public Land? | Jennifer VanGrove

In the wealthy La Playa enclave of Shelter Island a handful of small piers dot the secluded coastline, relics of a different World War II-era bay. They have offered their upland homeowners, generation after generation, an uncommon San Diego privilege: Backyard parking for their boats. Now the Port of San Diego, which technically owns the piers because they are on public tidelands, is threatening to strip the benefit away as part of its Port Master Plan Update. The piers that start near the Talbot Street entrance to the La Playa Trail and end near Kellogg Beach must be made entirely public or torn down, the document states. Right now, people can walk out on the piers until they reach gates that restrict access to the private floating docks at the end. Only one, the La Playa Yacht Club Pier, can remain as is, meaning partially open to passersby but otherwise restricted to permitted users. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/story/2019-08-24/la-playa-docks-dredging-up-big-controversy-in-remote-shelter-island-area