City seeks 'best use' study for old sewer plant

By Jane Northrop
Pacifica Tribune

Posted: 04/08/2010 06:00:00 AM PDT

Updated: 04/08/2010 08:58:34 AM PDT

Putting their heads together during a focused meeting about the future of city owned Sharp Park property, City Council, the Planning Commission and the city's Economic Development Committee reached a consensus to seek an outside study.

The groups met March 31 to discuss what should become of City Council chambers — oceanfront property at 2212 Beach Blvd. — and the former wastewater treatment plant in the back. The last time the property came up for a city vote, council decided to allow a developer, Barry Swenson Builder, to move forward on a hotel project. That project won out over the proposed Pacifica Ocean Discovery Center, an idea generated locally to build a tourist attraction.

The groups agreed to hire a consultant to draft a "highest and best use" study on the property.
While some noted the economic climate is not yet right to pursue a major project, others said it would be good to be ready to move forward when conditions change.

Members of the public voiced ideas about what should go there. Bernie Sifry envisioned a casino, wedding hall, convention center, movie theater and restaurant.

Connie Menefee said the site had the potential of competing with what's in Half Moon Bay for places to take out-of-town visitors.

"This could jumpstart Palmetto," she said.

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Posted by Steve Sinai