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Newport Chamber encourages investment in community

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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outdated general plan, it is important that both businesses and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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