Waterfront

Project Update

The City Council is expected to hold a hearing on February 28, 2012, to consider:

On Dec. 13, 2011, the City Council approved:

The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Bayfront project was released by the City on Sept. 9, 2011. The Planning Commission held a hearing on Sept. 19, 2011 to recommend certification; the City Council subsequently certified the EIR at a hearing on Oct. 11, 2011.

The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Bayfront project was released on January, 20, 2011. The public comment period ended March 7, 2011.

On October 12, 2010 Hercules officials gave a presentation (1 MB PDF) to the City Council and community on the progress made by City staff regarding the Bayfront Project.

Hercules Bayfront LLC held a contest to name public spaces and streets in the project area. The new names were announced in June 2010 on Hercules Bayfront's website.

Residents participated in two scoping meetings and two workshops in December 2009.

After several community workshops, the City Council selected Alternative 1 as the Transit Center design on October 13, 2009 (12.7 MB PDF).

On July 29, 2009, the City and Hercules Bayfront LLC hosted a standing-room-only workshop at the Hercules Library to discuss the public plazas at the future Hercules Waterfront.
Download the Public Plaza Workshop Presentation (12.4 MB PDF)

On July, 20, 2009, Assistant City Manager updated the Planning Commission on the Project's progress. The Waterfront Ad-Hoc Subcomittee was created and Chair Sherry McCoy and Commissioner Jose Bibal were appointed to the committee.

On July 2, 2009, an eNotice was sent out about the wicking work that began near Refugio Creek.

On June 1, 2009, updated plans and revised renderings for the Bayfront and Intermodal Transit Center were presented at a Joint City Council and Planning Commission Workshop. Video from the workshop is available on the Agendas and Meeting Minutes page under the Planning Commission Tab.

At the 2009 Community Update, Hercules Bayfront representatives provided an updated illustrative map (3.5 MB PDF) for the Waterfront that reflects adjustments to street configuration, building placement, and access to Hercules Point.

The Hercules Waterfront (also referred for entitlement purposes as Hercules Bayfront) is a 40-acre site planned to be a transit-oriented, mixed-use, traditional neighborhood project.

The project represents the final phase of the Waterfront District Master Plan, one of the four major districts identified in the Central Hercules Plan. At buildout, the project could include up to 1,392 residential units, 93,500 sq. ft. of retail space, 224,000 sq. ft. of office space, and 51,500 sq. ft. of flex space. These figures may change as the plan develops.

Late in 2006, the property owners of the last three decades formed a new ownership entity with Anderson Pacific called Hercules Bayfront, LLC (HBL). The new entity was formed to accelerate the planning and design of the last remaining portions of the Hercules Waterfront district. In July 2008, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution certifying the Waterfront Master Plan Initiative as a City ordinance.

Planning efforts have focused on implementing New Urbanist and Smart Growth ideas to create a fully functional pedestrian- and transit-oriented community with an Intermodal Transit Station comprising water ferry, train, and bus transit at its center. The project has been divided into three distinct areas:

• The Bowl
• Bayfront Boulevard Mixed-Use Area
  (includes the Intermodal Transit Station)
• The Village

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is approval status for the Waterfront project?
A: With the adoption of the Waterfront Master Plan Initiative, HBL can begin submitting development applications for parcels within the Waterfront District. All plans for lands with 100 feet of the San Pablo Shoreline are also subject to review and approval by the San Francisco Bay Conservation & Development Commission, as well as other agencies.

Q: When will construction begin in the Waterfront?
A: Subject to the environmental, City, and other agency approval processes, it is anticipated that certain areas within the project area could begin construction in 2011. The most likely areas are: Clubhouse renovation; Administration Building; Block J; and infrastructure for John Muir Parkway, Bayfront Boulevard and Bridge; Retaining Walls; Interim Grading; Utilities.

Q: What is the status of the environmental review process?
A: Preparation of certain technical studies for the Project EIR are underway. The full EIR is anticipated to be released by the end of 2010. 

Q: Will Hercules Point be redeveloped?
A: Hercules Point is anticipated to be an approximately 10 acre community and regional open space amenity, but it will require separate environmental clearance.

Q: Will there be a Bay Trail that provides access to the shoreline? What about the Ridge Trail?
A: The City of Hercules Intermodal Transit Center project will complete the connection to the existing Bay Trail that continues along the railroad tracks, providing the community with uninterrupted access to the shoreline and the commercial uses facing the bay. The project will also include a connection to the Ridge Trail along John Muir Parkway, which will join the Bay Trail at the water’s edge.

Q: Will there be enough parking to prevent an overflow on residential side-streets?
A: A successful parking design is both a function of parking supply and parking management. There will be an adequate supply of parking provided adjacent to the commercial and transit uses and the potential problem of overflow parking on residential side-streets will be addressed through the City’s Residential Permit Parking program. To discourage commuters or patrons from parking in the residential districts, this program empowers residents, working with the City, to establish permit, time, and/or pricing controls to manage commuter and commercial parking demands.

Q: What type of businesses will be included in the Waterfront area?
A: The commercial area (retail, flex, & office) within the Waterfront will largely depend on the market conditions prior to construction. The plan will allow for a variety of different uses ranging from neighborhood-serving retail, boutique shops, cafés, coffee shops, and restaurants, to local business offices, financial and medical services, daycare, recreation facilities, live-work spaces, studios, and satellite offices relocated from other cities.