READERS RESPOND

I am a strong supporter of parks; however, in this case I think it makes a lot of sense to build the city hall on the park land above the Central Library. Usually I would take the position that one cannot have too many parks. My wife and I have contributed to help purchase a 3,300 acre ranch for addition to one of California’s state parks. I do not take this subject very lightly. I would usually argue in favor of the park.

Since the library is already located on the lower part of this parcel and the access from all of Newport Beach is good, especially in the summer season when the peninsula is crowded, I think it is an excellent location for a city hall. On the other hand, I don’t think a park located there would get much visitation because of the traffic on both sides of the narrow strip. Also, nearby residents, with an ocean view, have expressed their desire to not have any trees planted on the land, which lessens its value as a park location.

FRANK COLVER

Newport Beach

Let all the park enthusiasts use the upcoming balloon ride at the El Toro Great Park and put the new city hall at Bill Ficker’s location.

GIL JONES

Newport Beach

Where is the center, downtown, heart of Newport Beach? Let’s put a new city hall in close proximity to the police station, and plan the area bordered by Coast Highway, MacArthur Boulevard, Jamboree Road and San Joaquin Hills Road to be pedestrian-friendly and create an entire downtown center. That center would be bordered by the unique residential communities of Corona del Mar, Irvine Terrace, Eastbluff, Big Canyon and Harbor View Hills. Adjacent to those communities are the other communities comprising Newport Beach.

GEORGES ROUDANEZ

Corona del Mar

I support Bill Ficker’s excellent plan for the location of the new city hall. It makes sense financially as well as operationally. There would still be enough land available for a park ? if it is needed.

I do not feel that a park in this location is warranted or will be very widely used by the residents of Newport Beach. I feel the idea should be placed on the ballot to determine if there is sufficient public support.

WILLIAM E. WILKINSON

Balboa Peninsula

Two yes votes for Bill Ficker’s proposal for a city hall above the library. Make a parking structure and fire house at the current City Hall. A parking structure for beach parking would generate revenue along with retail shops along the ground level.

This probably makes too much sense, as Greenlight doesn’t know what generating revenue is all about.

RALPH WILSON

and GERALD GIANNINI

Newport Beach