NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

The City Council moved forward with a package of $8.86 million in

improvements for the ailing Balboa Village.

Under the program, the city will add parking, repave the area’s

cracking streets and redo Balboa Pier. New lighting and sewers will be

installed and the restrooms at the base of the pier are to be rebuilt.

The council, with no discussion, approved the first phase of the

three-phase project. Once a builder is chosen, construction will follow,

likely in November. All work should be completed by June 2004.

To compensate for removing parking on Balboa Boulevard between Adams

and A streets, the city will add slots in the pier lot. The area would

see a net gain of 24 parking stalls.

The work must be done during the nine months between Labor Day and

Memorial Day so summer beach visitors aren’t inconvenienced.

WHAT IT MEANS:

This is one key piece of an overall rehabilitation of the village

area, which has seen an alarming rise in vacancies and the arrival of the

homeless.

To go with the city’s beautification project, local arts groups are

working to raise $4 million to renovate the Balboa Theater for state

productions.

Vote: 5-0

IN FAVOR

WHAT HAPPENED:

The City Council accepted a new property-tax agreement with the County

of Orange for Newport Coast, which would bring in at least $3.5 million

in revenues once the area is annexed.

The city and county have agreed to split a pool of available money

with 52% headed to the city and 48% headed to the county.

The city can gain an extra 1% if it can successfully annex Bay Knolls.

The city expects to annex Newport Coast sometime in early 2002.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Another hurdle has been cleared that allows the city to take another

step toward including the more than 2,600 residents of the incorporated

community into Newport Beach.

Vote: 5-0

IN FAVOR

WHAT HAPPENED:

Councilman Steve Bromberg asked for a public study session about

whether the city should purchase the Newport Dunes Resort.

Bromberg, who represents the area that includes the resort, said he

wanted more facts about whether the city could finance the purchase.

Bromberg and others also wondered how the resort would be used if the

city takes over the lease from the Evans family.

City Manager Homer Bludau said he has tentatively scheduled the

session for Sept. 11.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The city has begun its formal process about whether it should purchase

the resort. The City Council has not made any decision as of yet.

Vote: No vote

NEXT MEETING

WHAT: Newport Beach City Council meeting

WHERE: Newport Beach City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Aug. 28