MAILBAG - June 22, 2000

I’ve been reading with concern opinions published recently in the Daily

Pilot that express the fear many have of losing so-called neighborhood

identity.

Every Costa Mesa development--whether it’s on the East Side, in Mesa

Verde or the Home Ranch--is “too big.” I chuckled when Mesa Verde

residents claimed their neighborhood character would be destroyed by the

proposed project when the area in question faces two huge apartment

complexes on the south and west; a large commercial shopping center,

including a bowling alley on the east; and Adams Avenue with the main

post office, large physical fitness center and more on the north.

Excess traffic, congested parking and overcrowded schools are listed as

legitimate concerns about each development. However, it seems to me a

more pressing concern all of us should have as a community is: How are we

going to provide housing for all who need it?

The shortage of housing in Southern California is listed as the most

crucial in the country, and Orange County’s need tops the list. We have a

choice. We can take every opportunity to provide housing for our low- and

moderate-income families, even if it calls for smaller yards,

cookie-cutter houses (same as tract homes?) and parking problems.

Or we can ignore one of the most critical issues facing us as a society

today.

The moratorium on building more than four units on a lot, even if it

complies with existing zoning, is very sad. Some people want larger yards

and gardens; some people just want to have a decent and safe place to

live for their children.

The projects being questioned will certainly not be low-income housing.

But people moving into those homes would probably be moving up, and a

ripple effect could provide homes for others moving up.

Those of us who got here first and have large lots and four-bedroom homes

are the lucky ones. We should be willing to share those blessings by

making room for others, even if it cramps our lifestyle a bit.

As St. Elizabeth Ann Seton said, “We must live more simply so others can

simply live.”

JEAN FORBATH

Costa Mesa

City needs to save Mariner’s Mile heritage

We should have sent you a note the last time you reminded us our nautical

heritage is slipping away (Terrance Phillips, “The Harbor Column,” June

12).

Of course, everything on Coast Highway today in Newport Beach is so built

up you don’t even know you are driving along the water. Every time we

head down Coast Highway to the West Marine store, there is another pile

of rubble along the side of the road--yep, a great old building is gone.

We remember how many auto dealers have bit the dust over the years--it’s

futile. Even with the speed of 35 mph, most who use Coast Highway are on

a beach outing looking for water.

What they expect to see are “beachy” places where they can go--not wig

shops, lube joints, car washes and failing restaurants.

Hey, why don’t they put the Dunes project where Stuft Shirt, Canos and

Windows were? A nice marina and another high rise? Maybe tie it into the

new Balboa Bay Club.

You could have a rename the “mile” contest. Let’s see, maybe Oil Slick

Alley, Pedal to the Metal, Wig-Wearing Mile or just Dangerous Curves

Ahead?

Let’s get the City Council to enforce stricter guidelines. Don’t approve

any more of this nontraditional stuff. We need them to save our heritage,

not destroy it.

Thanks for trying to make a difference.

BILL KELLY and

GAY WASSALL-KELLY

Newport Beach