SOUNDING BOARD -- Paul James Baldwin

There are reasons why some people oppose the Koll Center project. One

of Greenlight supporter Phil Arst’s objections to the project is the

close proximity to homes.

I believe these homes were built in the wrong place to begin with and

built with a developer’s profit the only thing in mind. Not built with

the total picture of what is right for the community. Not built with what

would be in the best interests of the future homeowners.

These homes were built in an area that is ideal for business, not

residences. To build residences so close to John Wayne Airport, MacArthur

Boulevard and Jamboree Road is not a recipe for a tranquil, peaceful and

relaxing environment to begin with.

To complain that an existing business area and adding to that area is

detrimental to nearby homes is, in my opinion, a lot of bull. I support

the Koll project and I also support the Greenlight Initiative. Homeowners

have to take responsibility for buying into an area where problems

already existed.

And this also goes for our South County friends that bought their

dream homes while the Marines were flying their very loud warplanes out

of El Toro. Cargo planes or commercial planes are both less bothersome

than F18s buzzing over the Southland.

Heck, people buy property based on existing and future conditions.

When these conditions don’t necessarily pan out for their particular

self-serving plans, then they should change their plans.

I wish people would quit crying and whining about the trivial stuff.

I am tired of people complaining about John Wayne Airport increasing

capacity in the future. I am tired of people arguing against an airport

at El Toro. I am tired of unrealistic no-growthers blocking any and all

progress or development in Newport Beach. All I want are positive and

workable ideas and plans to increase the quality of life here in Newport

Beach.

I do not now make any recommendations in regards to increasing, or

even maintaining, the quality of life here in Newport Beach.

But maybe you do, and if you do, I encourage you to get involved.

Attend a City Council meeting. Vote. Talk to your neighbors. Listen to

your neighbors. If you really want to care about your community, I

suggest you walk. Walk the peninsula, walk West Newport, walk Corona del

Mar. Walk MacArthur and Jamboree. Decide for yourself.

I did mention voting. In my opinion, if you don’t take the time to

vote, which is your constitutional right, then you have absolutely no

right to give me your opinion on any political issue. If you do give me

your opinion and you don’t vote at the ballot box, your opinion is

worthless and I don’t want to hear it. I don’t care how legitimate and

logical your argument may be.

Stand up and be counted. Otherwise sit down and be quiet.

* PAUL JAMES BALDWIN is a longtime Newport Beach resident whose

columns will appear occasionally on the Community Forum page.