City Council scheduled to discuss Measure F, Balearic Park

COSTA MESA -- The City Council will vote tonight on whether it should

oppose a ballot measure, which could block the county’s plans for an

airport at the closed El Toro base.

Mayor Gary Monahan said, if approved, the so-called Safe and Healthy

Communities Initiative could deter an El Toro airport, making an

expansion to John Wayne Airport much more likely.

“It’s extremely important for Costa Mesa to make a strong statement about

this,” Monahan said. “If the measure passes, it will be much more

difficult to prohibit John Wayne from expanding.”

The Newport Beach City Council voted to oppose the measure two weeks ago.

The initiative, called Measure F and set for the March 7 primary

election, would give Orange County residents the power to vote against

jails, airports and hazardous waste sites with a two-thirds majority.

The Costa Mesa City Council in December issued a strong statement against

expanding John Wayne, citing increased traffic, air pollution and noise

as its reasons.

“I think the city would be very badly damaged if John Wayne was

expanded,” said City Councilman Joe Erickson.

The council is also expected to discuss another hot topic: What the city

should do if the Newport-Mesa Unified School District decides to sell the

Balearic Park.

The district is considering selling the park, which until 1977 was the a

school site. Monahan said he wants to make sure the park remains as open

space for the community.

“I sincerely expect the school district to place it on the block,”

Monahan said. “I think it would be in our best interest to buy it.”

The mayor said the council will discuss whether to purchase the park, and

hopefully make a decision tonight.

“I really want us to be prepared for the final outcome,” he said. “It’s

imperative we act immediately.”

Erickson also said it is important that the park remain open space. But

he said he hopes the school district decides against selling the land.

“Once the land’s gone, it can never be used for a school again,” he said.

“With people having more children, you never know if it will be needed in

the future.”

Erickson said it’s important for the city to take an active role in

preserving its limited open space. But he said the public already owns

the park.

“They shouldn’t have to buy it again,” he said. “I feel very strongly

about that.”

The City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall, 77 Fair

Drive.