Newport Chamber encourages investment in community
As our city leaders continue to work on updating Newport Beach’s
outdated general plan, it is important that both businesses and
residents realize that our city is a work in progress and
redevelopment and re-investment is key to our vitality and high
quality of life.
Although some people may want to see our city stay stagnant or
“how it use to be,” this mindset is not prudent for Newport Beach, or
for that matter, any city to stay healthy.
Newport Beach is a masterpiece made up of many small villages and
communities. However, as with any great masterpiece, maintenance and
upkeep are crucial to preserve its value. The Newport Beach Chamber
of Commerce applauds local business represen- tatives, residents and
city staff for working hard to improve our great city and keep its
value high. Through their vision and dedication, new improvements are
already implemented and more are on the horizon for our great City.
Balboa Village has embraced the idea that a city needs to continue
to redevelop to stay vibrant and healthy. With the first of three
phases complete with new streetscape, landscaping, pier preservation,
and wider sidewalks, Balboa Village is well on its way to returning
to the vigor it once enjoyed.
Cannery Village is also experiencing a badly needed redevelopment
with the new Cannery Seafood of the Pacific Restaurant doing a brisk
business as well as the recently approved Cannery Lofts project
currently under construction. These two projects, as well as business
and residential support, are sure to revitalize both the economy and
sense of community in the area.
Additionally, the city and the Corona Del Mar Business Improvement
District have looked at the future health of our city by crafting the
Corona Del Mar 2004 redevelopment project. Plans have been drawn for
better street access, traffic movement and landscape. Funds have been
secured for work on this highly anticipated project that is certain
to create a new and exciting feel to the area.
There is also a new Mariners Mile plan in the works as another
bright redevelopment for our city’s future. For year’s both residents
and businesses alike have wanted to make changes to this area and
soon the city will begin work to improve parking, pedestrian access
and overall aesthetics of Mariners Mile.
From talk of a new Lido Marina Village and the currently
redeveloped “Speedway” shopping center to the new Newport Coast
center and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian improvements,
important revitalization projects are moving forward. These projects
are the key to a healthy economy and high quality of life.
Our city’s fate depends on how our businesses and residents
embrace the importance of a “work in progress” mentality to maintain
our current quality of life we enjoy. It is important to understand
that Newport Beach, like any other community, needs to reinvent
itself to stay energized and healthy.
Whether through planning with the city on new redevelopment
projects or assisting one of our valued members obtain a building
permit, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce stands ready assist
Newport Beach into the future.
* Richard R. Luehrs is president and chief executive of the
Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
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