San Diego Topgolf plan faces environmental concerns
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The proposed Topgolf project rendering. Photo: Courtesy of Topgolf
The proposed Topgolf on East Harbor Island could have serious environmental impacts from increased driving, light pollution and nets that could ensnare birds, according to a new report.
The big picture: The golf entertainment complex is part of the Port of San Diego's plan to redevelop an industrial area across from the airport, but first it must go through an environmental review.
Zoom in: Topgolf would increase pollution through driving, according to the report.
- Its lights could also attract birds, which could then get tangled in the golf range's nets.
Other options: The report offers two scaled-down options.
- Instead of three stories, Topgolf could be one story, with 34 instead of 108 hitting bays. That would make the nets about 30 feet shorter.
- Or, the Port could skip building Topgolf altogether and build a 20-acre park instead of the planned 10-acre park.
Yes, but: The Port says it needs something that makes money to support projects like repairing roads.
- "The intent is to provide public access and commercial recreation where none exists today," Lesley Nishihira, Port of San Diego VP of planning told Axios in a statement.
- She added the environmental impacts can be reduced to a level of "less than significant" with the scaled-down option.
What they're saying: "Topgolf has been engaged with the Port of San Diego on the redevelopment of East Harbor Island, which includes our proposed Topgolf, since 2019," Matt Smith, senior director of real estate at Topgolf, told Times of San Diego. "We remain firmly committed to working with the Port to see this entitlement process through to a successful conclusion."
What's next: You can submit comments on the project through Aug. 24.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show the area to be redeveloped is industrial, (not a park).