Work can start immediately following the San Diego City Council's 8-1 vote Tuesday to approve final maps for the 360-acre project. One member, Councilwoman Donna Frye, opposed the project on the grounds that project opponents could again sue the city.

Foes are worried that new buildings will block views and should conform with the city's 30-foot height limit in coastal areas. However, a judge has already ruled that the property is exempt because it was under federal ownership at the time voters passed the height limit nearly 30 years ago.

Save Our NTC Inc., which has appealed the ruling, urged the council Tuesday to keep the project from moving forward until all legal challenges have been resolved.