EDITORIAL

It’s about time.

During the last decade, Mariner’s Mile has been on the decline.

Business on this stretch of Coast Highway has dwindled over the years.

Stores and restaurants have closed shop. The buildings need repairs, or

perhaps, an overhaul.

Each year, there have been casualties.

We worry, that Mariner’s Mile will soon become less of a landmark and

more a blur while speeding on Coast Highway.

A casual observer driving by wouldn’t even know the area was supposed

to have a theme. There would be little reason to pull off the road and

stop in for a while. There would be even less reason for a major retailer

or restaurant to move in.

Mariner’s Mile should never have been neglected.

It could have been the hub that Newport Beach doesn’t have. Balboa

Island, the peninsula and Fashion Island are all great gathering spots --

but the Mariner’s Mile has the potential for so much more.

And there is hope yet.

With the city on the cusp of putting a vision plan in place for

Mariner’s Mile, the area could undergo the metamorphosis it needs to

survive.

Yes, clean up the area. Give it a face-lift. Make it pedestrian

friendly. Create an access to the bay.

We agree with Planning Comissioner Mike Kranzley that the bayfront

vistas are being neglected.

“A bayfront walk would be an incredible change to Mariner’s Mile,”

Kranzley said. “We’ve been very successful in Newport Beach in hiding our

bay from everyone.”

Residents are tired of shaking their heads over Mariner’s Mile and

sighing over what a shame it is to let such potential go to waste.

We are too. City officials should waste no more time and take action

to fix up the mile.