City needs to honor state law on use of ‘surplus’ Mission Bay parcels

Re “S.D. eyes hotel in Mission Bay as part of parcels’ redevelopment” (July 28): According to the state’s Surplus Land Act, “surplus land, prior to disposition, should be made available for park and recreation purposes or for open-space purposes.” Remember the many meetings held in 2022 and 2023 resulting in the De Anza Natural Plan? Much attention was given to the reduction of affordable camping, the loss of recreational space, and the displacement of the Mission Bay Boat and Ski Club. Why not turn Marina Village’s 23 acres into affordable camping sites, a playground or open picnic space? Why not create space for the Boat & Ski Club on Dana Landing’s 4.5 acres instead of the questionable South Shores? Dana Landing even comes with dock space.

There is a reason the state put parks, recreation and open space ahead of affordable housing. Our city leaders need to honor that.

— Chuck Dunning, La Jolla