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National City wins Coastal Commission approval; port funding secured for Pepper Park and bikeway
Summary
National City officials said the California Coastal Commission unanimously approved the city’s balance plan, enabling port-commission funding commitments for Pepper Park upgrades, bikeway matching funds and initial steps toward hotel and waterfront access projects.
The National City council heard a detailed report from Port Commissioner Gil Ungab on approvals and funding that city officials say will move waterfront redevelopment and park upgrades forward.
Ungab told the council that the Coastal Commission gave "unanimous approval of our plan," and that the port commission has authorized multiple funding packages tied to Pepper Park and regional bikeway connections. "We got that," Ungab said of his first port meeting, adding that he secured "$6,100,000 for construction and authorized $1,200,000 for contingency" for Pepper Park upgrade Phase 1.
Why it matters: council members described the Coastal Commission decision as a key permitting milestone that clears the way for waterfront development, expanded park space and improved active-transportation connections. Commissioners and staff said additional approvals — including a port commission plan and port-related permits — must still fall into place before private development proceeds.
Details: Ungab provided a funding breakdown and schedule. He said Phase 1 of the balance plan includes about $7,350,000 for redevelopment and construction work, funded by port sources: $3,500,000 from the port’s American Rescue Plan allocation, $3,600,000 from the port capital program fund and a $250,000 contribution from Austal USA. Ungab said construction for the initial phase is expected to begin in October with completion by next year.
Ungab also reported the port approved matching funds for the Bayshore bikeway and other bicycle connections intended to improve access to the waterfront and Plaza Bonita. He said the port authorized $600,000 from its maritime fund and $1,400,000 in port matching funds to help secure external bike-route funding.
Electrification and freight: Ungab described plans for three zero‑emission truck stops tied to port electrification. The first site at 614 Tidelands Avenue, he said, encompasses 8.2 acres with roughly 4.8 acres allocated for electric-truck charging. He gave charging specifications: a 2.8-megawatt capacity and up to 6.8 megawatt-hours of storage are planned for the charging facility. Ungab said Skycharger received $10,000,000 to support electric truck purchases that would be available for rental to truck operators.
Council response and next steps: council members thanked Ungab for the work and pressed for transparency on related hiring and procurement processes at the port. Several members asked staff to coordinate future briefings and public engagement, and staff confirmed follow-up meetings and public outreach are planned. The council was told further port and coastal approvals — and the port commission’s separate planning steps — are needed before any major private development proceeds.
