Letter to the Editor

The Greenlight movement was born out of residents’ fear that the

Newport Beach City Council, under pressure from developers, would

continue to approve new developments creating traffic increases

unacceptable to residents. Subsequently, the Greenlight Initiative was

passed by a majority of almost two out of three voters.

The Greenlight law triggers a citywide election on major developments

that require a general plan amendment and might adversely impact traffic

flow. Koll, the first project where Greenlight triggered a citywide

election, was rejected by almost two out of three voters because the

development would create adverse traffic impacts.

In a normal political atmosphere, one could justifiably argue that the

Greenlight resident voting process is “no way to run a railroad.” Such

issues should be decided by elected officials, namely the City Council,

who, when necessary, could seek the advice of their professional staff.

Unfortunately, we do not have a normal political atmosphere. Many of

the current City Council members are still “off the track,” disconnected

and uncoupled from the will of the residents. For example, on Jan. 22,

the City Council, over the vehement objections of at least a dozen

residents, including two homeowner associations, voted to allow the

developers of the Sutherland-Talla hotel project to initiate a process

leading to an amendment to the general plan (the Sutherland-Talla project

proposes a 147-room hotel in the heart of the Balboa Peninsula).

Fortunately, the hotel project may ultimately trigger a Greenlight

election allowing residents to make the final decision.

When City Council members continue to be disconnected from their

constituents, the “railroad” is off the track. A hotel at the proposed

location has been adamantly opposed by residents from one end of the

peninsula to the other. The council has been acutely aware of the

feelings of peninsula residents since the first of three proposals were

submitted by Sutherland-Talla many months ago.

Traffic problems are evident in many areas of Newport Beach. But

peninsula traffic levels are unique. During summer months, thousands of

visitors flock to the beach. Traffic is heavy on the peninsula from

morning to evening.

Paramedics and police often have a difficult time responding in a

timely manner, creating increased risk to heart attack, stroke and other

victims in need of immediate medical aid. A 147-room hotel with several

hundred employees, restaurants, bars, a large ballroom for special

events, delivery and service trucks will only add to existing traffic

density.

It is the height of arrogance for some council members to continue to

turn their back on those residents who would be most effected by a

147-room hotel. One council member described his view of resident

opinions on the hotel as “disgusting.” Perhaps the solution to this

impasse is to elect council members in November who are not developers at

heart and will reflect the will of the residents.

ADELE AND MEL MANN

Newport Beach