Lofts not a look to like in...

Lofts not a look to like in Cannery Village

This is to applaud the recent letter by James Person regarding

Cannery Village (“Cannery Lofts create blight at community’s

expense,” March 15).

I am a resident of the area and look with dismay at the lack of

concern by the Newport Beach Planning Department and City Hall for

this neighborhood. From the exhibits on display at the sales office

for this project, the powers that be have allowed “ticky tacky”

military barrack-type structures to be erected in the heart of a

unique, quaint village area. Instead of demanding an individuality in

keeping with the established buildings, they have approved row

housing. Of course, it is too late now, for the gates have been

opened to the greed of the developer, but one can hope that the next

owners will have the foresight to preserve this heritage.

Along these same lines should be mentioned the approval of the

construction of four huge homes in the commercial office area of Via

Lido. These massive homes face an office building and adjoin the

parking lot of another. In spite of a fancy four-color brochure and

open houses, these overpriced, misplaced one-family homes have sat

vacant and unsold for almost a year, reflecting the common sense of

most people. Perhaps these planners should get off their comfortable

chairs from time to time to visit what they’ve allowed to be created

in a fine area.

DON YOST

Newport Beach

City should keep a little dirt at Fairview Park

Just when I thought Costa Mesa had come to its senses, I read that

concrete is to come to Fairview Park after all (“Park trail a little

more concrete,” Friday).

Doesn’t Costa Mesa have enough concrete sidewalks already in place

for people “who don’t feel comfortable navigating the granite and

dirt trails in the park?” Why is it we have to pave over all natural

dirt paths because some people “aren’t into sports?” There are miles

and miles of concrete and sidewalks in Costa Mesa for in-line

skaters, walkers, and stroller-pushers. Why can’t hikers have the

little dirt that’s left? Dirt-path walkers, hikers, bikers and

climbers are taxpayers also.

What can we do to keep it natural and paved?

MARILYN FRENZ

Costa Mesa

Renaming canyon would honor questionable ethics

Why would we rename Bonita Canyon park to revere the titular head

of deceptive politics in Newport Beach (“Rename Bonita Canyon park to

honor Paul Salata”)? His Greenlight Implementation Committee ruse

cost our city dearly: new bitter local infighting, new deceptive

election practices and even a new sense of distrust of those who were

elected then and since.

We should not monumentalize such poor ethical judgment and

questionable moral responsibility.

AL COSTA

Newport Beach