NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Studying the signs

The question of what to do about city signs will likely be addressed

tonight. Council members agree that the city has a problem with its signs

directing motorists and visitors throughout the city: Some areas suffer

from “sign clutter,” signs have an inconsistent look and some landmarks,

such as City Hall, need to be better announced by signs. Tonight the

council will reconsider a contract with Hunt Design Associates for

$80,500 to take care of the problem.

What to expect:

At last month’s study session, Mayor Tod Ridgeway predicted that, in

light of changes the design firm has made to its original bid with the

city, it’s likely that it will be awarded the contract tonight.

Marinapark developers want more time

An agreement with Sutherland Talla Hospitality, which seeks to build a

147-room luxury resort at Marinapark, could be revised tonight. The

company has asked for more time to do environmental studies on the

project. The item before the council tonight would grant the developer

the extra time.

What to expect: The matter is considered routine, but that doesn’t

mean it’s a slam dunk. The project has drawn hot controversy in the past

even during routine parts of the process.

Cannery Lofts, or not

The council tonight will get a chance to consider approving the

Cannery Lofts, a 22-unit development of live-work lofts on the waterfront

near the Cannery. The Planning Department recently approved the project

despite some residents’ worries that the 22 free-standing units will

overwhelm the appearance of the historic area. Others, however, have said

the artist-inspired lofts are a perfect fit.

What to expect:

Feelings on the project are so subjective, there’s no telling how this

discussion will go.

SH

The future of the residents of the Marinapark mobile homes will again

come before the council. Officials will consider whether to extend their

leases for at least a year. The agreement could mean some hefty rent

increases for the residents, with help for those who might suffer a

financial hardship. The increase, some officials say, is just the result

of bringing to market rent rates that were held artificially low for

about 15 years. This was to compensate the residents in advance for the

fact that eventually they would have to move from the city-owned land.

What to expect: In this matter, the devil is in the details. Some

Marinapark residents disagree with city officials about some elements of

the original lease. The issue got so confusing at the last council

meeting that Councilman Gary Adams has asked staff to set the record

straight.

FYI

* WHO: Newport Beach City Council meeting

* WHEN: 7 p.m. tonight

* WHERE: Council Chambers at City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.