Last summer, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria asked the City Council to declare three commercial leaseholds in Mission Bay Park as surplus property as a prelude to seeking new leases to revitalize the dated attractions. The idea was rejected by council members and environmentalists alike, and now the cit y is working to pass legislation to exempt all of Mission Bay Park from the Surplus Lands Act, which requires local governments to promote affordable housing on unneeded property. But while the bill introduced by San Diego Assemblymember Chris Ward makes its way through the statehouse, city officials are inviting developers to bring forward their best proposals for two of the three parcels. One of those two is the Dana Landing marina, which covers about 4.5 acres along Ingraham Street. The other is the nearly 1-acre Sportsmen’s Seafood restaurant on nearby Quivira Way. The aging Marina Village banquet and conference center was included in the initial surplus-declaration request, but that 23-acre property was not included in the city’s bid announcement on Friday. Economic Development Director Christina Bibler said the requests for proposals present an opportunity to modernize and revitalize two leaseholds that are no longer meeting their potential. “With these two properties, our goal is to explore every opportunity and make the most out of every space — continuing to ensure it remains a cherished spot for locals and visitors,” she said in a statement. In order to avoid provisions of the Surplus Land Act while the Ward legislation works its way through the lawmaking process, Bibler said the new Dana Landing and Sportsmen’s Seafood leases would be limited to 15 years. The larger of those two properties consists of four buildings, an 80-slip marina and some 150 parking spaces, along with meandering pathways and landscaping. The winning bidder will also be granted the opportunity to develop an adjacent 1-acre parcel immediately north to maximize the space. City officials said they are seeking an experienced and innovative operator for the restaurant site, which includes outdoor dining space, a 17-slip boat dock and parking spaces for 50 cars. “The site presents a unique opportunity for thoughtful renovation or redevelopment, and proposals should outline a compelling vision for a refreshed, full-service restaurant that enhances the waterfront experience for residents and visitors alike,” a city statement said. Sportsmen’s Seafood has been in business on Mission Bay since the 1950s. Owner Joe Busalacchi said he tried to negotiate an extension for his expired lease but the city resisted, and he does not know why. “We’ve been the longest-operating business in Mission Bay,” Busalacchi told The San Diego Union-Tribune last year. “There wasn’t even a bridge over Mission Bay when my grandfather built this place.” The deadline for submitting a bid for either of the two properties will be April 30. ...read more read less