Readers Respond

AT ISSUE: We asked readers if they thought the Newport Beach City

Council made the right choice in postponing its vote on the proposed

Dunes resort.

The Back Bay is a unique nature preserve surrounded by suitable

residential areas. A 470-room hotel and 31,000-square-foot conference

center could create a threat to our beautiful and rare water fowl

population, like an elephant and a porcelain shop. I think a project of

even half the size of what is planned would be too large. If Evans Hotels

is seriously prepared to scale down the plans, let the public see what

the developer proposes -- or let’s have a referendum and give the

citizens of Newport Beach a chance to decide whether they want this

elephant.

DAGMAR M. RIOS

Newport Beach

The Newport Beach City Council members did the right thing by

postponing the hotel vote and all the rest of the stuff with the Dunes.

In fact, they should postpone it forever. They just really need to say

no. We have so many traffic problems there. We have the Four Seasons

Hotel Newport Beach, The Hyatt Newporter and the Marriott Hotels Resort;

we don’t need another hotel.

JANE RYGEL

Corona del Mar

The City Council should have made the decision, and that decision

should be to kill the Dunes project. I believe the only reason for the

delay is the council members find it too difficult to make the right

decision.

ROBERT SCHOONMAKER

Newport Beach

I am so relieved the City Council members delayed the Dunes resort

vote. At least they’re thinking hard about it. This is an awfully large

plan to put in the wonderful estuary we have, and I just don’t see any

reason why such a large resort should be put in there.

DIANE STOVAL

Costa Mesa

I do not believe the City Council should have made a decision on the

Dunes resort. I think there needs to be more study and more reaction from

those of us who live around the Dunes. The project could destroy the view

of a number of people who live on the bluffs above the ocean. I believe

that if the project doesn’t destroy the Back Bay, it certainly is going

to mess up the area. We don’t need more traffic in Newport Beach.

DENNIS SHORT

Newport Beach

I do not believe the Newport Beach City Council should have delayed

the decision on the proposed Dunes resort. I believe the developer has

accommodated the needs of the community as far as answering the

questions. The council decision should have been made -- or at least a

commitment made to make it -- in the very near future.

LINDA MONGNO

Newport Beach

I agree with the City Council’s decision to postpone a vote on the

Dunes until September. We should allow enough time for the Dunes to

downsize the project to bring it in line with the settlement agreement of

1983 and to respect the wishes of many people in Newport Beach. There

were several issues that were brought up in the council meeting that

should be thoroughly researched. And a full council should be present to

make a decision.

JAN VANDERSLOTT

Newport Beach