Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

NAVWAR (Naval Information Warfare Systems Command) is responsible for providing the critical networks, sensors, and systems to connect air, surface, subsurface, space, and cyberspace military assets that are vital to the Navy mission and to national security. Information and cyber warfare are now fundamental elements of warfare, an essential concept within the Navy’s strategy, and is recognized as a warfare area on par with the traditional domains of air, sea, land, and space.

NAVWAR is San Diego’s 15th largest employer and generates $3.3 billion to the regional economy and funds $7.3 billion of contracts with private industry (Fiscal Year 2022) (2024 San Diego Military Advisory Council Economic Impact Report).

The Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) is part of Naval Base Point Loma and houses NAVWAR as its major tenant. The campus comprises approximately 70.3 acres on two sites (OTC Site 1 is 46.6 acres and OTC Site 2 is 23.6 acres; total is 70.3 acres). The main buildings consist of World War II-era aircraft manufacturing plants and associated administrative office buildings. OTC Site 1 was used during World War II to manufacture aircraft and has been partially adapted to provide training facilities, administrative office space, and industrial (laboratories, shops, and warehouse) space to support NAVWAR. OTC Site 2 is currently used for warehouse space and parking. The existing space is inefficient and functionally obsolete given the 1940s-era design.

The Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus (OTC) is located at 4301 Pacific Hwy - approximately 1.5 miles from downtown San Diego and a half-mile from the San Diego International Airport. OTC is located in the Midway-Pacific Highway community planning area, near Interstate 8, Interstate 5, and Pacific Highway. The property is adjacent to the Old Town Amtrak and San Diego Trolley stations.

The existing Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) facilities are beyond their useful life and their degradation is affecting NAVWAR’s cyber warfare mission, security, and workforce safety. The Navy requires secure, safe, modern, state-of-the-art facilities to meet NAVWAR’s information technology, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare operational needs. Modernization of OTC would address substandard, inefficient, and obsolete facilities that are incapable of meeting and sustaining NAVWAR’s mission requirements.

Modernization of the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) could include the demolition of existing facilities and construction of new buildings, utilities, and infrastructure to provide mission capable facilities for NAVWAR. This could occur through Navy-funded development of the site or through a leasing initiative. A leasing initiative could include mixed-use development, including options with or without a potential transit center element. The Navy prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental effects associated with modernization of OTC, and more information on this process and the content of the Draft EIS can be found under the Environmental Analysis section or on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process page.

SANDAG is the San Diego region’s primary public planning, transportation, transit construction, and research agency for regional policy decisions about growth, transportation planning, and transit construction.

All Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) revitalization alternatives consider changes and improvements to roadways, sidewalks, utilities, and traffic flow. As the San Diego regional planning agency, SANDAG possesses unique expertise and authorities with respect to environmental impacts associated with land use, viewsheds, transportation, and construction that could result from the proposed revitalization of OTC. SANDAG also possesses expertise on the socioeconomic conditions and the transportation and housing needs of the local and regional communities. Because of this expertise, SANDAG serves as a cooperating agency for the development of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and associated regulations.

The Navy studied five action alternatives in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Two of the action alternatives include a transit center. Three action alternatives do not include a transit center. The transit center analyzed in the Draft EIS is not the same Central Mobility Hub concept being studied by SANDAG. SANDAG’s Central Mobility Hub is a larger development concept than the transit center analyzed in the Navy’s EIS. The transit center analyzed in the Navy’s EIS assumes a transit station on the property that is similar in size to the existing Old Town Transit Center.

Regardless of the location of SANDAG’s Central Mobility Hub, the inclusion of a transit center on the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) remains in two of the Navy’s five proposed alternatives. Maintaining transit access for staff and Sailors working at OTC is vitally important, and the Navy will continue to work closely with SANDAG – as the regional transportation planning agency – to ensure transit is considered in the development of OTC.

Although SANDAG is considering other locations for the Central Mobility Hub, the Navy’s Preferred Alternative would still allow for a mixed-use development and transit center (as analyzed in the Draft EIS). Another option is that the Navy would select another alternative without a transit center in their Record of Decision.

Site Development

The cost of the project would depend on the alternative selected by the Navy at the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Alternative 1 (NAVWAR-Only Redevelopment) would be entirely funded by the Navy using funds appropriated by Congress, while funding under the other action alternatives would be through a leasing initiative.

According to the San Diego Military Advisory Council’s 2024 NAVWAR Economic Impact Report, NAVWAR contributes approximately $3.3 billion annually to the San Diego regional economy and employs over 5,300 people in the greater San Diego area, with payroll and benefits valued at $910 million (Fiscal Year 2022). NAVWAR’s economic contributions to the region are projected to grow.

Depending on the alternative selected in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Record of Decision, the potential modernization could also bring additional economic benefits to the region through the construction and operation of new commercial, residential, and transportation facilities.

This would depend on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) alternative selected by the Navy for implementation in the Record of Decision. Under Alternative 1, the Navy would develop the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) property for Navy-only use. Under the other action alternatives, the site would be developed through a leasing initiative. For more information on the alternatives being studied in the EIS, see the Environmental Analysis section.

If you are interested in potential leasing initiative opportunities for modernization of Navy Old Town Campus (OTC), continue to visit https://www.NAVWAR-revitalization.com/development for project updates and sign up for the project’s mailing list.

For Alternative 1, modernized NAVWAR facilities are estimated to have a build-out phase of approximately five years but would depend on the federal funding process. For Alternatives 2 through 5, new NAVWAR facilities are anticipated to be built first, followed by mixed-use development over an approximate 30-year timeframe. Development under any alternative selected, and the timeline associated with that build-out, would ultimately depend on selection of design and land use agreements, if applicable.

On January 9, 2024, the Navy announced it selected Manchester Financial Group/Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate to enter into a period of exclusive negotiations for the potential revitalization of Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus (OTC), home to Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). From August 2023 to December 2023, the Navy evaluated proposals received from potential master developers. After completion of a comprehensive source selection evaluation process, the Navy selected Manchester/Edgemoor.

The Navy will work with Manchester/Edgemoor on multiple options for the private development of the approximately 70.3-acre site, while continuing to evaluate the feasibility of a NAVWAR-only development funded by traditional military construction methods.

On November 15, 2022, the Navy began a two-step competitive solicitation process to identify a potential master developer for revitalization of the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC). The solicitation and amendments can be downloaded at SAM.gov, Notice ID N6247323RP00008, or visit the Developer Solicitation page for additional information.

The two-step competitive solicitation process is guided by a Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/P). The RFQ/P includes procedures to ensure a fair process for the selection of a potential master developer. A description of the steps and key dates for the solicitation process is provided below:

Step 1: Request for Qualifications

Statement of Qualifications closed: February 7, 2023
During Step 1, Request for Qualifications, potential master developers were asked to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) package outlining things such as team experience, financial capability, etc. Based on its evaluation of the SOQ submittals, the Navy selected four potential master developers to advance to Step 2: Request for Proposals. The Navy notified the shortlisted proposers on April 10, 2023.
Step 2: Request for Proposals

Shortlisted Entities Notified: April 10, 2023 and release of Step 2 Data Pack

Proposals closed: August 9, 2023
The Navy selected four potential master developers to advance to Step 2: Request for Proposals. The Navy notified the shortlisted proposers on April 10, 2023, and released the Step 2: Request for Proposals Data Pack to them to support the development of their proposals.

In Step 2, the Navy required shortlisted proposers to submit technical and financial proposals that specify how they will achieve the Navy’s requirements. Proposals include details such as site and design drawings for the new government facilities; demonstration of the concept for private development; specifics on how the project would be financed; and a proposed schedule.

The Navy posted prepared response(s) to written questions via SAM.gov for Step 1: Request for Qualifications. Clarifying questions were due by January 24, 2023. Comments and questions received were reviewed for appropriate action and individual responses may not have been provided. The government retains the right to respond to all, a portion of or provide no response to interested proposer’s questions.

The Navy studied a range of development options, including options with and without a transit center, as well as a No Action Alternative. If there is a requirement for new or updated environmental studies and analysis, they would be completed as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental regulations.

Yes, Alternative 1 is still being considered. The Navy could still select Alternative 1 in the Record of Decision.

SANDAG is focusing its review of a location for the Central Mobility Hub in Downtown San Diego. SANDAG’s ongoing evaluation of locations for a Central Mobility Hub and Environmental Impact Report under the California Environmental Quality Act are a separate action from the Navy’s project. The Navy will continue to work closely with SANDAG to ensure transit is considered in the development of the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC). The inclusion of a transit center on OTC remains in two of the Navy’s five proposed alternatives evaluated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Yes. The public has been actively engaged with the project since its inception in 2018, and the Navy has carefully evaluated and considered public comments made to date. The Navy plans to continue its public outreach efforts throughout the project.

California Coastal Zone/California Coastal Commission

No, the project is not located within the coastal zone.

The project occurs outside of the coastal zone. However, the Navy is assessing the project for impacts to the coastal zone and is working with the California Coastal Commission per the Coastal Zone Management Act [CZMA §307(c)(1) 15 CFR §930.30].

Reference 16 U.S.C. §1451–1466, Coastal Zone Management Act and 15 CFR Part 930 require the Navy and other federal agencies proposing an action to determine if the action is reasonably likely to directly or indirectly (cumulatively or secondarily) affect any land or water use, or natural or cultural resources within the coastal zone, even if the action itself is located outside of the coastal zone.

The Federal Consistency Unit of the California Coastal Commission implements the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as it applies to federal activities, development projects, permits and licenses, and support to state and local governments. All federal agency activities (including federal development projects, permits and licenses, and assistance to state and local governments) affecting the coastal zone must be consistent with the enforceable policies of the state’s certified coastal management program.

As defined in Section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act, the term “coastal zone” does not include “lands the use of which is by law subject solely to the discretion of or which is held in trust by the Federal Government.” The Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) is owned and operated by the Navy and is therefore excluded from the coastal zone. Additionally, OTC is located outside (inland) of the coastal zone boundary and would remain so regardless of future decisions concerning potential land transfers. However, the Coastal Zone Management Act requires that the federal agency proposing any project on federal land that could reasonably affect resources within the coastal zone must provide a federal consistency determination.

A coastal consistency review is conducted by the California Coastal Commission to evaluate if a proposed activity is consistent with established coastal policies and procedures. As part of this review process, the Commission holds public hearings to promote public involvement in decision making regarding approvals of proposed projects potentially affecting coastal resources. The Navy was originally scheduled to present the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) Revitalization Project to the California Coastal Commission at the public hearing on October 15, 2021, but this presentation was delayed to allow for more specific potential site plans to be developed to better guide the engagement between the Navy and the California Coastal Commission.

After reviewing the California Coastal Commission staff report that addressed the Navy’s Consistency Determination, the Navy asked the Commission to postpone the public hearing to a later date to provide additional time for resolution of issues discussed in the staff report.

The California Coastal Commission staff’s primary issue with the Navy’s Consistency Determination, as stated in the staff report, was “…the Navy has not provided sufficient information to enable the Commission to determine the proposed development’s consistency with … the Coastal Act and the Commission’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Policy.” The Navy is working to determine the best approach for providing available information, as appropriate, to the California Coastal Commission that will support their review process.

In response to public and agency comments received on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) requesting additional details before a Record of Decision is signed, the Navy began a competitive solicitation process in November 2022 to identify a potential master developer that can work with the Navy to develop more detailed site plans before a final alternative is selected. These development plans will help inform the Navy’s environmental analyses under statutes such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), among others. See the Developer Solicitation page for additional information.

The Navy intends to continue working with the California Coastal Commission to resolve issues highlighted in the staff report. The Navy has a strong working relationship with the California Coastal Commission and is confident that an appropriate path forward can be identified and implemented.

A coastal consistency review is a tool used by the California Coastal Commission to evaluate a proposed activity per coastal policies and procedures designed to enable appropriate economic development while advancing the protection and preservation of ecological, cultural, historic, recreational, and aesthetic values. The final step of a coastal consistency review is a determination of an activity’s “consistency” with established coastal policies and procedures.

Environmental Analysis

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared to provide an analysis of the potential effects a proposed federal action may have on the environment. The EIS process includes public involvement and results in more informed decision-making. Alternatives that meet the purpose of and need for the project are developed and the EIS documents the potential impacts each alternative could have on the environment. In the EIS, measures are developed to avoid or reduce environmental impacts that might result from each of the alternatives. The NEPA process results in the selection of an alternative for implementation as documented in a Record of Decision.

The Navy has prepared an EIS to analyze the potential environmental effects associated with modernization of the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC). Alternatives analyzed in the EIS range from the Navy developing OTC to meet NAVWAR’s current and future needs, to a development alternative that includes construction of new facilities for NAVWAR plus a transit center and high-density commercial/residential development. The potential environmental effects on a variety of resource areas (e.g., air quality, transportation/traffic, visual resources, cultural/historic resources, and others) are assessed individually for each alternative. The EIS addresses provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it relates to potential non-federal development within the alternatives. The Navy will undertake any coordination and consultation activities required by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other federal laws.

As a federal agency, the Navy conducts environmental analysis on proposed projects in compliance with federal laws including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Non-federal agencies in California conduct environmental analysis on proposed projects in compliance with state laws including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As the Navy conducted its analysis on the proposed Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) Revitalization Project under NEPA, the Navy also included provisions of CEQA in Appendix A to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Appendix A analyzed the additional topics required under CEQA. If the Navy transfers property out of federal ownership, the private developer may be able to utilize the EIS to help meet their future CEQA compliance obligations. In the event that future actions taken by the Navy or a private developer are outside the scope of this EIS, subsequent NEPA or CEQA may be required. The EIS is not a joint NEPA/CEQA document; any future state or local actions connected to the project that are covered by CEQA would be the responsibility of the appropriate state or local agency or private developer.

Yes. The resource areas analyzed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) addressed similar issues required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), but there were sometimes different names for the resources or methodologies used for the analysis.

Appendix A of the Draft EIS addressed provisions of CEQA as they relate to non-federal development within the proposed alternatives.

During the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) public comment period, the Navy received comments about the need for additional site-specific details. The Navy is being responsive to those comments by soliciting a potential master developer. The potential master developer will help develop more specific details for the proposed development on the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) property before the Navy develops the Final EIS and selects a final alternative in the Record of Decision. If there is a requirement for new or updated environmental studies and analysis, they would be completed as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental regulations.

Proposed Action and Purpose and Need

The Proposed Action is to modernize the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) to provide NAVWAR with mission capable facilities. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to modernize facilities to meet design standards for safety and security that will enhance NAVWAR’s operational effectiveness.

The existing OTC facilities are beyond their useful life and their degradation is affecting NAVWAR’s cyber warfare mission, security, and workforce safety. The Navy requires secure, safe, modern, state-of-the-art facilities to meet NAVWAR’s information technology, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare operational needs.

Two of the alternatives in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) include transportation efficiency solutions that are feasible within the project footprint. This consists of a transit center occupying a portion of the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC).

Most of the alternatives in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) include a residential development component. The number of residential units varies based on the alternative. At this time, inclusion of affordable housing as part of the alternatives is not known.

Action Alternatives

The Navy’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzed modernization alternatives that would enable NAVWAR to achieve its mission at the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC). These action alternatives include:

  • Alternative 1 – NAVWAR-Only Redevelopment
  • Alternative 2 – Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Higher Density Mixed Use
  • Alternative 3 – Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Lower Density Mixed Use
  • Alternative 4 – Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Higher Density Mixed Use with a Transit Center (Preferred Alternative)
  • Alternative 5 – Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Lower Density Mixed Use with a Transit Center

The Draft EIS also analyzed the effects of not carrying out the Proposed Action, referred to as the “No Action Alternative.” Under the No Action Alternative, the Navy would continue to maintain and repair the existing facilities at OTC and would continue to operate under poor conditions that negatively impact NAVWAR’s ability to accomplish its mission.

Alternative 1 – NAVWAR-Only Redevelopment consists of modernization of OTC to meet NAVWAR’s facility requirements with Navy-funded capital improvements only.

Alternative 2 – Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Higher Density Mixed Use consists of construction of new Navy facilities for NAVWAR on OTC through a public-private development, and the relocation of some warehouse functions to a separate off-site location (a separate action not analyzed as part of the EIS). This alternative includes a potential high density residential and commercial private development component.

Alternative 3 – Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Lower Density Mixed Use would be similar to what will be analyzed for the Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Higher Density Mixed Use alternative, but the development scenario for private development would be reduced.

Alternative 4 – Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Higher Density Mixed Use with a Transit Center would be similar to what will be analyzed for the Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Higher Density Mixed Use alternative, but a portion of OTC would be developed as a transit center.

Alternative 5 – Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Lower Density Mixed Use with a Transit Center would be similar to what will be analyzed for the Public-Private Redevelopment – NAVWAR and Lower Density Mixed Use alternative, but a portion of OTC would be developed as a transit center, and the development scenario for private development would be reduced.

NAVWAR’s requirements for modernized facilities on the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) include ~1,694,268 gross square feet (SF) of space, as follows:

  • ~845,326 SF of secure office space;
  • ~29,156 SF of secure conference and auditorium space;
  • ~24,172 SF of warehouse/storage space;
  • ~165,614 SF of laboratory space;
  • ~630,000 SF for parking.

In addition to the above, NAVWAR requires an additional ~645,187 SF of open storage or laydown space, warehouse, office, and laboratory space that could be accommodated at an off-site location:

  • ~3,900 SF of office space;
  • ~457,769 SF of warehouse/storage space;
  • ~9,251 SF of laboratory space; and
  • ~174,267 SF of open storage or laydown space.

The density is related to number of buildings, building heights, and allocations for land uses, such as number of residential dwelling units and commercial and retail space. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) considers two alternatives, higher and lower density, without a transit center as well as two alternatives, higher and lower density, with a transit center. With a transit center and transit-oriented development, densities are slightly higher than without a transit center.

At this time, inclusion of affordable housing as part of this project is not known.

In this case, a leasing initiative generally means a development scenario in which the Navy would work with a private developer to build the Navy facilities. The developer would pay for the construction of new Navy facilities on part of the property in exchange for a lease or other rights for the private development of the remaining land.

Both alternatives include a transit center, which could be a beneficial use of the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) for both the San Diego region and Navy employees who not only work at OTC but also at the other military installations in the downtown, Point Loma, and Coronado areas.

Alternative 4 is preferred over Alternative 5 because Alternative 4 would provide a greater framework for future design flexibility for the overall development. In addition, the difference in potential impacts between Alternatives 4 and 5 are minimal and outweighed by the benefit of providing greater flexibility for site design under Alternative 4.

National Environmental Policy Act Process and Public Involvement

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 – often referred to as NEPA – is a federal environmental law. NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the potential environmental impacts of their proposed actions before making a decision. The Navy is complying with NEPA by preparing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process refers to the various steps to be taken during the development of an environmental planning document (e.g., Environmental Impact Statement [EIS]). It ensures that reasonable alternatives to the proposed action are explored, that potential impacts to the environment are thoroughly analyzed, and that there is an opportunity provided to the public for initial scoping and Draft EIS review and comment.

To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is published for public review and comment for a minimum of 45 days. The comment period for this Draft EIS was initially published as 60 days and then extended to 90 days in response to public interest.

After the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a 30-day wait period, the Navy will select an alternative and sign a Record of Decision. The Record of Decision provides a public record of the decision, describes the public involvement and agency decision-making process, and presents the commitments to specific mitigation measures to reduce environmental impacts. Availability of the Record of Decision will be published in the Federal Register and local newspapers and will be available to the public.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) Revitalization Project provides an opportunity for public input, which helps to ensure all relevant issues are identified and appropriately addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). During the public scoping period held in early 2020, the public participated by sharing their ideas, thoughts, and concerns about the project. This helped the Navy to identify the scope of analysis including environmental resource areas that should be addressed and helped create potential alternatives to be analyzed in the EIS. The Draft EIS was released on May 14, 2021 for a 90-day public comment period, which ended on August 12, 2021. The Final EIS will include an appendix with a response to comments received during the Draft EIS public comment period.

Yes. Public input is an important factor in the development of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Public participation helps the Navy understand different viewpoints from the community, which improves the analysis and helps the Navy make informed decisions. The Draft EIS was released on May 14, 2021 for a 90-day public comment period that ended on August 12, 2021.

After the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is published, including responses to substantive comments received on the Draft EIS, the EIS process ends with the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision documents the Navy’s decision and 1) explains the Navy’s decision and alternative selected for implementation, 2) describes the alternatives the Navy considered, and 3) discusses the Navy’s plans for mitigation and monitoring to reduce potential impacts from the project.

The Record of Decision is signed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment.

These details are currently unknown. The Navy has existing statutory authority to effectuate a lease or to execute a fee transfer. Under all alternatives, the Navy plans to retain ownership of the property that would be used for Navy facilities and may or may not retain ownership of the property used for other uses such as housing, office space, etc.; further details on the disposition of the remaining property under Alternatives 2 – 5 would be determined during the project’s development planning stage.

During the scoping period, the Navy received more than 120 written comments about the proposed Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) Revitalization Project. These comments were considered in development of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Scoping comments generally highlighted many of the resource areas the Navy was already committed to analyzing as part of the EIS, such as transportation/traffic, visual quality (including building height), cultural/historic significance of the existing structures, hazardous waste (contaminated site cleanup), and security.

The Scoping Summary Report is available for download. It summarizes the key topics raised by the public during scoping and the Navy’s approach for addressing these topics in the Draft EIS.

The Navy received over 650 comment letters with over 1,000 comments. The top five subjects were:

  • Transportation (e.g., traffic, parking, and questions about the Central Mobility Hub);
  • Land use (e.g., affordable housing, high density land use, mixed uses/amenities);
  • Alternatives considered (e.g., design considerations, other suggestions for alternatives to consider, options for where to place NAVWAR facilities on the Navy Old Town Campus [OTC] property);
  • Visual resources (e.g., building heights, density); and
  • Cultural (e.g., changes in neighborhood character, National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 consultation).

Additionally, public agencies provided comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Agencies that commented were the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, California Coastal Commission, California State Parks, California Department of Transportation, City of San Diego, San Diego Housing Federation, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, and San Diego Unified School District.

The Navy also received comments from multiple community planning groups in San Diego, local advocacy groups, and non-profit organizations.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will include an appendix responding to comments received during the public comment period on the Draft EIS.

Key Topics

Yes, the Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) is the U.S. Navy’s initiative to identify, investigate, and clean up former hazardous substance release sites on Navy property.

At the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC), the Navy is managing sites contaminated by former use of the property as an aircraft manufacturing facility. The sites are currently suitable for industrial use; however, some contaminants remain in soil and groundwater that require investigation and remediation to continue. A description of remaining contaminated sites and an analysis of these clean-up efforts is in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Detailed information is readily available on the Navy’s ERP public website: https://www.navfac.navy.mil/Business-Lines/Environmental/Products-and-Services/Environmental-Restoration/Southwest/Old-Town-NBPL/.

The data was collected before the pandemic, in January 2020.

If the Navy selects Alternative 2, 3, 4, or 5 for implementation in the Record of Decision, the Navy intends to work with stakeholders to identify a process for the implementation of NEPA mitigation in connection with the potential transfer of the Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) property interests. This process could take the form of a development agreement with SANDAG or the City of San Diego, provisions included directly in the lease or other transfer agreement requiring the transferee to accomplish mitigation, or another appropriate process. For Alternatives 2-5, when site development details are known, it is anticipated the selected developer(s), and in the case of Alternatives 4 or 5 the transit agencies, would work directly with the City of San Diego or other appropriate local agencies on the implementation of, or fair-share contribution to, mitigation measures related to traffic impacts.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) are two separate laws. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is part of the NEPA process and looks at potential impacts to historic properties. The NHPA is the law that includes a process for how adverse impacts to historic properties should be addressed. The NHPA consultation process is expected to be complete by the Final EIS and appropriate findings would be included in the NEPA Record of Decision.

Title 10 United States Code § 2667 authorizes the Department of Defense to make qualified real property available for lease and to receive construction of new facilities as in-kind consideration.

Additional Information

For more information, please visit other pages of this website. Inquiries may be submitted via the project email address, info@NAVWAR-revitalization.com, or project phone number, (888) OTC-NAVY / (888) 682-6289. The phone number is a recorded line, but your call will be returned within approximately two to three business days.