Newport updates general plan

June Casagrande

In the far-reaching process of updating the city’s general plan,

consultants have noticed an opportunity to improve emergency response

times in case of an airplane disaster within Newport Beach’s borders.

Right now, if an airplane heading for or leaving John Wayne

Airport were to crash in the city, there’s no direct communication

link to allow air traffic control staff members to alert the city’s

fire and paramedic response teams.

It’s a different situation than a possible crash on the airport

grounds because the county has its own emergency response team

on-site. But because saving seconds can save lives in an emergency,

the city is considering working with airport officials to improve

communications and response times.

“We asked consultants to look at some of the potential hazards in

the city and to make recommendations for our policies,” said

Assistant City Manager Sharon Wood, who explained that the airport

safety issues are just a small part of a long and thorough set of

recommendations for the general plan update.

The recommendation calls for entering into an agreement with the

airport to best coordinate emergency services and for a coordinated

training program for members of the city’s fire and police

departments and the county fire authority and sheriff’s departments.

The City Council will hold a study session Tuesday on the general

plan update. Staff members will present the long list of items they

believe comprise the entire scope of work to be done and council

members will get a chance to add any items they seem important.

Development and traffic continue to be the most closely watched

elements of the general plan update. Staff members, consultants, and

residents who gave input last year say places such as Mariners Mile,

Cannery Village, Lido Marina Village, Newport Shores and the airport

area all could be sites for possible future development.

The report to be presented to council members on Tuesday also

covers issues regarding recreation and open space, economic

development, home sizes, public transportation and parking and air

and water quality.

Mayor Tod Ridgeway said that the task before staff, community

members and council members is very difficult because the general

plan is already very specific. Changes, he explained, pose a danger

of making the document too inflexible.

“It’s going to be a challenge,” Ridgeway said.