Editorial

Just like a twisted, tiresome line of traffic, there is no getting

around it: the two initiatives that propose to clean up Newport Beach’s

traffic problems are confusing.

There is the Greenlight initiative, which would give the voters the

final say on certain developments. The idea is that residents will only

vote on large-scale developments, but the measure’s complex wording has

left many predicting there will be citywide votes on nearly every project

-- no matter how small.

As if that wasn’t enough to digest, now the initiative’s opponents --

mainly the business community and city leaders who fear the measure would

create a logistical nightmare and cause the city’s planning department to

come to a standstill -- have launched a counter attack.

This new initiative, which has yet get the signatures needed to place

it on the November ballot alongside Greenlight, deals with the city’s

Traffic Phasing Ordinance -- a law requiring developers to pay for road

improvements to help ease the congestion their projects are expected to

cause.

The countermeasure proposes to make the ordinance -- which now can be

changed or scrapped by a majority City Council vote -- part of the city

charter, which could only be changed by a vote of the people.

Clearly, there are many levels of complexities within each of the

measures. And, as with all things political, there is rhetoric.

It is easy enough to get confused by each measure individually, let

alone deciphering the differences between the two and deciding which one

would be better for the city’s long-term health.

But, unfortunate as it may be, that is the task at hand.

Between now and the November election, the Daily Pilot will provide as

much coverage of the issue as possible. We promise to do our best to

outline the facts and put them in the context needed.

However, it is ultimately up to all voters to educate themselves

before going to the polls, as the outcome of this election has the

potential to drastically change life in Newport Beach as we know it.

Voters are urged to get involved, including attending meetings and

public forums, reading documents and debating with neighbors.

Traffic and development are two topics that will not rest. And that

means that residents should not rest until the right solution is in

place.