Watch CBS News

Pacifica Residents Debate Proposed Waterfront Development

PACIFICA (CBS SF) -- Developers want to build hundreds of homes and businesses on a quarry just west of U.S. Highway 1 near Pacifica's Rockaway Beach. But say the words beach and development in the Bay Area and you're sure to start a nasty fight.

And now the fight over some prime, beachfront real estate is heating up.

The picturesque shoreline is the battlefield for development in Pacifica. In November, voters will decide whether a mixed-use development will be allowed in the place of an old quarry.

John Vallaro is against the project and says, "this has always been here…to put something up would take away from the scenic part of it."

The community is split, and in years past, two similar propositions failed by a narrow margin.

But with new property owners and a different plan that conserves 70 percent of the open space, there are many who are in favor of the new prospects the development would bring.

Chuch Gust, the owner of Nick's Restaurant said, "We've been here for 90 years. I care about what goes in there, and I think it's time the people who want to come to the coast have infrastructure, access and a place to go."

development
Posted sign advocating for the rejection of a proposed waterfront development in Pacifica. (CBS)

The development would go along Highway 1 at Rockaway Beach and include a hotel, shopping center, apartments and open space.

It would also bring traffic, opponents argue. And while many in favor of the project agree that it would  indeed bring traffic, they say it's exactly what the spot needs.

"I think it would take away from the city, but the main thing is the commute. It's terrible now and to add something else would just add to the problem," Vallero said.

But Gust disagrees, saying, "They want to protect every sage brush, every squirrel but I always thought it should be us we should be looking out for first."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.