Chamber backs Koll project

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- In a move that could give Koll Center developers a

leg up in the Nov. 20 special election, the Newport Harbor Area Chamber

of Commerce has thrown its support behind the project.

“We believe this will be a nice economic stimulus to the community,”

chamber President Richard Luehrs said. “We believe the location is

appropriate, we believe that in today’s economic environment it will

create jobs, and we believe its benefits will far outweigh traffic

impacts.”

The chamber is calling on residents to vote “yes” on Measure G in the

upcoming special election. A “yes” vote means the developer would be

allowed to move ahead with plans to add 250,000 square feet to the

existing Koll Center near John Wayne Airport.

“We are pleased that the chamber has taken a position in support of

what we consider to be a good project for the city of Newport Beach,”

said Tim Strader, president of Koll Center developer Starpointe Ventures.

Opponents of the plan have argued that the project will bring serious

traffic congestion and other problems for residents. Estimates vary

between 1,000 and 1,700 car trips per day created by the proposed

development, which includes a 10-story office tower. The developer has

committed $3 million to the city to accommodate the increased traffic.

If the project is approved, the developer will also pay $60,000 toward

a new fire station to service the area. Supporters note that improved

fire service there is much needed, but opponents note that the

developer’s commitment won’t go far.

“What does that amount to? About half the salary for one firefighter?”

noted Phil Arst, a member of the Greenlight Committee, which opposes the

project.

The upcoming election will be the first test of the city’s Greenlight

Initiative. In a landmark vote, residents approved that initiative last

November to control growth in the city. Greenlight requires voter

approval for any project large enough to require an amendment to the

city’s general plan.