Rehab houses are still debatable to some...

Rehab houses are still debatable to some

I am a resident on the Balboa Peninsula and would like to respond

to the recent rehabilitation house debate.

Residents of the peninsula, such as myself, are extremely

concerned with the lack of planning and regulation of these centers

by the city of Newport Beach. We appreciate and support efforts for

recovery, associated with drug addiction. We also support the city

establishing a plan for reasonable accommodation, with appropriate

number of such centers in appropriate locations.

However, it is the city’s right and responsibility to manage the

establishment of such centers, and their uses, so as to ensure their

compatibility. The proliferation of such centers in our residential

area allowed to date by the city’s inaction has resulted in material

adverse impacts to the city’s residents, storekeepers and elementary

schools in the community.

DENYS H. OBERMAN

Newport Beach

Phone survey measures Marinapark merits

Recently, I responded to what was purportedly an independent

telephone survey. Some of the questions related “rating” various city

personalities as “favorable,” “unfavorable,” etc. Included were

particular councilmen, Greenlight advocate Phil Arst and businessman

developer Stephen Sutherland.

However, most questions focused on the city’s and Sutherland’s

scheme to raze the Marinapark Mobile Home development and replace it

with a “five-star luxury resort.” Many of the questions were

calculated to sway citizens in favor of the development -- as in, a

push poll.

One such question was on the order of “Do you favor replacing the

rundown bars and tattoo parlors with upscale and modern development?”

Another related to Sutherland’s offer of $500,000 to remodel and

rebuild the American Legion facility and the construction of a

community center.

The surveyor also said the city would be voting on this in

November.

This is not true. Residents will be voting on a general plan

amendment to change the current land use and zoning of the Marinapark

area from “recreational and environmental open space” to “recreation

and marine commercial.” With such a change, the city could put any

kind of development on the property: marinas, boatyards, “seaport

villages” and yes, a “luxury resort.”

Currently, the city is slated to receive almost $900,000 a year

from the 56 Marinapark homeowners. It is true these are mobile homes,

among the last available affordable housing in Newport Beach.

However, before the council decides whether to replace this revenue

with pie-in-the-sky development schemes, citizens should be fully

informed before they vote on any issue relating to Marinapark.

JOHN DOWDEN

Newport Beach

* JOHN DOWDEN is a resident of the Marinapark Mobile Home park.