Rooftop BMU Replacement by Manchester Grand Hyatt

The proposed project is a like-for-like equipment replacement of one (1) building maintenance unit (BMU) located atop the Harbor Tower at Manchester Grand Hyatt (Applicant) in the city of San Diego, California. The BMU, a permanent piece of rooftop equipment used to safely access exterior components of the building for maintenance and cleaning, has reached the end of its typical service life, has been decertified, and is now in need of replacement. Work to specifically complete the proposed project would involve utilizing a helicopter for removal of the existing unit from the rooftop, placement of a new unit, and transfer of the decommissioned unit to an offsite location. The current BMU sits and moves on existing steel tracks which would remain in place. Utilizing hand tools, the BMU would be removed in eight (8) sections, and the new BMU equipment would be similarly installed in eight (8) sections onto the existing tracks. A temporary ground-based equipment staging area would be established on Galleon Way, between Manchester Grand Hyatt and Marriot Marquis for the new BMU unit and expired unit after removal. Upon arrival, the helicopter would proceed along the planned flight path and hover in place above the neighboring Marriott Marquis while ground crews on the rooftop would connect the “longline” cable and rigging configuration which allows the helicopter to load and carry materials to and from the staging area and Harbor Tower. The aircraft would lift the expired equipment vertically from its current mounting on top of the Hyatt, then place the unit down in the staging area. Once detached, the new equipment would be connected and lifted from the staging area and positioned into place by workers located atop the Hyatt. This sequence would be repeated for the planned eight (8) BMU installation sections. The helicopter would perform all removal and replacement activities and then vacate the area; it would never land in the project area, only hover over the designated area and flight path. Per flight regulations, the flight plan outlines a required closure radius for the project to ensure safety during operations. Temporary closures required for the proposed project would include Galleon Way, the pool decks, top two (2) floors, and rooftop of both the Hyatt and Marriott Marquis, the area surrounding Sally’s Restaurant, and portions of the southern facing Marriott Marquis outdoor space. Closure of the adjacent promenade and retail businesses would be avoided. Construction of the proposed project is anticipated to occur in December 2026, would take approximately one (1) day to complete, and would require approximately ten (10) workers in four (4) trucks to complete the work. Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the Applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.