The first meeting of a regional effort to plan Lindbergh Field’s future is happening tomorrow.
The joint powers authority will bring together representatives of the city of San Diego, the airport authority, San Diego County, the Marine Corps, Unified Port of San Diego, transit agencies and the San Diego Association of Governments. They aim to consider whether it’s viable to build a transit center at the airport, which could link air travelers with rail lines and nearby Interstate 5.
The group’s members are all current government officeholders, with the exception of Steve Peace, who is participating on the city’s behalf (along with Mayor Jerry Sanders).
Peace, a former state senator who now works for Padres owner and developer John Moores, has argued against a planned 10-gate expansion at Lindbergh Field, instead pushing for a plan that would move Lindbergh’s terminals to the north side of the airport’s sole runway and establish rail and interstate access. Peace and Supervisor Ron Roberts, who is also serving on the planning group, have both sought to articulate a broader vision for San Diego’s waterfront.
Peace and Moores’ role in the debate has raised questions about whether the Padres owner is seeking changes in the airport’s layout in order to develop the bay front. Peace has maintained that his motive is philanthropic.
Other participants include: Supervisor Greg Cox, Santee City Councilman Jack Dale, Lemon Grove Mayor Mary Teresa Sessom, Metropolitan Transit System Chairman Harry Mathis and airport authority members Alan Bersin and Jim Desmond. They meet at 9 a.m. on the third floor of airport’s commuter terminal.