READERS RESPOND

Bill Ficker’s city hall site proposal solves one huge issue with the existing peninsula location. Access to the existing site has horrible traffic issues on any spring-through-fall day. Add the logistics of rebuilding the area while continuing to provide city services and you have a no-brainer. Turn the existing site into a park and you provide some needed recreation space as well.

I vote to explore Bill Ficker’s proposal.

BOB TYLER

Newport Beach

In 1938 when my father, Jim Barrett, came out from Chicago to build the Prado Dam, our family moved to Newport Beach. Dad was one of the businessmen responsible for the building of the City Hall after World War II. My father arranged for his good friend, Gov. Earl Warren, to come down from Sacramento to dedicate this wonderful new building. The Warrens stayed with us in Bayshores.

Warren was sitting out on the patio when he heard a truck going by broadcasting announcements on a loudspeaker for all to come to the City Hall dedication ceremony. In his speech that afternoon, the governor told that this truck reminded him of the town crier in colonial days shouting: “Come one, come all!” Everyone was so proud of our City Hall located over by the then fashionable, new Lido shopping area with Richard’s Market.

Time passes, and now we need a new city hall. It is my opinion that the city’s needs have changed as well as the size and boundaries of the city. Bill Ficker’s city hall as profiled in the June 20 issue of the Daily Pilot, makes much more sense in answering the current needs than the plan put forward by our City Council.

The plan Bill Ficker has designed, as his gift to the city, would be closer to the heart of the city. This makes the city hall more accessible to the residents who have to fight traffic, especially in the summer, when going to Balboa Peninsula. The structure would be on one, well-designed floor coordinating all department needs with ample space and no need for elevators.

The terrace area in front of the building would have an incredible view, making it an outstanding venue for Newport Beach city functions, such as receptions and entertaining out-of-town dignitaries. And what a great spot it would be to host the sponsors and supporters of the Newport Beach to Ensenada yacht race. We could never have access to these benefits at the old location.

To me, it makes much more sense placing a city hall where people can easily drive, enter, park, and leave on un-congested and accessible streets. We have to recognize how the public could enjoy the facility for many more purposes than the current city hall, as this location next to the Main Library would provide extra parking for both city buildings, not Lido Village at the taxpayer’s expense.

Ficker’s design incorporating Van Sant’s beautiful sculptures of our city’s heritage would truly be a lasting architectural gift to Newport Beach

The Daily Pilot has done a great service in letting the people know there is a choice.

To me, it is the intelligent choice.

Jan Vandersloot has contributed greatly to the city of Newport Beach and its residents with his guidance in maintaining open space. How much I appreciate his support with saving Crystal Cove. I am fortunate in being able to live at Bayview Landing in the Back Bay. Vandersloot tried to prevent the construction of Bayview Landing because of the Coastal Commission’s restrictions and was successful in cutting the number of apartment units built.

I would like to ask him to consider the importance of the use of the city-owned land at Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard. Three-quarters of the property would be a natural environment park much like the one adjacent to Bayview Landing. The remainder of the property would be used to benefit the residents of Newport Beach as a new city hall serving the needs of our city and people.

MARY BARRETT BLAKE

Newport Beach

I am a member of Newport Beach’s parks, beaches and recreation commission with Debra Allen. Although I did not patronize her flower shop, in my experience, she has always been open to the wishes and fiscal concerns of residents.

I have also known Bill Ficker as a noted architect and the winner of the 1970 Americas Cup with Intrepid. Ficker has always had clients, residents and taxpayer views at the top of his list. The words “over my dead body” and “completely off base,” I am sure, have been cast in his way both on land and sea with little effect in his many accomplishments.

Although we have anonymous donors for building the park and equally anonymous environmentalists seeing merit in Ficker’s plan, it might be wise to count both sides’ chips. It seems when environmental issues are involved, taxpayer money, logic and negotiations are the window. However, a free city hall with minor environmental effect impact sounds like a good deal to investigate.

Don’t we have council elections in November?

TOM TOBIN

Balboa

I think Bill Ficker has a great idea here for a new city hall in Newport Beach. We know the current City Hall has to be replaced somewhere. Ficker’s idea to use the vacant land just above the library is an excellent one. It is centrally located in Newport Beach for everyone to use, and what a wonderful view it would have. I hope the Newport Beach City Council gives this serious consideration.

WAYNE GRAVELINE

Newport Beach

I very much support the idea that the new city hall should be located near the library. There’s plenty of room there, even for a park if the greens want it. We have already added six parks in the last three years, and half of them aren’t even used, and some of them are still in the discussion stage.

I can’t understand how the Irvine Co. can stay in business if it is not selling any property. It seems to me that that is part of the company’s job and what it has been doing consistently ? not just in Newport, but also in Irvine and Tustin.

JOHN LOESEL

Newport Beach

I’ve known Bill Ficker for a number of years. He’s a real quality act and has nothing but the city’s best interest at heart. I’ve also been exposed to Jan Vandersloot and Jean Watt through the years, and I certainly think on the opposite end of the spectrum about those two.

Ficker’s plan is, by far, the most logical plan I have seen in the last couple of years. I hope the good residents of the city consider the property on Avocado Avenue a superior location and one that is almost awash when it comes to the expense of selling the existing City Hall. It makes too much sense.

ERIC GODFREY

Newport Beach

I am totally in favor of Bill Ficker’s proposal, in spite of the opposition of the park advocate Jan Vandersloot and all. It is a great idea.

HOMER LONG

Newport Beach

I agree with Bill Ficker completely. I know him well. He is a very talented man and has done work for my company. And I think he has a very good idea. That’s a much better use for the site.

I can’t imagine cozying up to MacArthur Boulevard for any kind of intimate picnic.

DOROTHY DOAN

Newport Beach

I am dead against it. In fact, I thought I heard the council once vote to keep the city hall right where it is and use the area for a park. I don’t wish to see those decisions changed, and I am sure that reflects the view of the city.

TOM MOULSON

Newport Beachdpt.22-readers-respond-CPhotoInfoQJ1SDCAE20060628j14k5nnc(LA)The proposed site under architect Bill Ficker’s plan for the new city hall on Avocado Avenue.