READERS RESPOND:Readers Respond

While I agree there should be diversity in our parks, in this particular instance, the center of Newport Center Park that would be destroyed by Bill Ficker’s plan is anything but a “weed patch.” It is a lovely, landscaped turf area with seating for library readers and trellises and flowers. There should be no misconception that this is a “weed patch.”

DEBRA ALLEN

Corona del Mar

Thanks for so thoroughly airing the new city hall location issue.

I would like to jump in by pointing out three facts our city council needs to keep in mind:

1. The MacArthur land is a terrible place for a park because it is very narrow and fronts three very busy streets.

2. There is already a very large park with a gorgeous view just down the road at Jamboree and East Coast Highway (which is rarely used). Surely it can be adapted to be whatever the MacArthur park devotees want at an enormous cost savings over having two parks within half a mile of each other.

3. If city hall is placed on the MacArthur land, there will still be enough land left for a park, if there really is a valid reason for having one there.

PHOEBE LOOS

Newport Beach

As a long-time resident of both Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, I think relocating our city hall to the suggested Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard location is probably the most asinine proposal I can ever recall being put forth before and seriously considered by our city council.

While it is a lovely location and sounds like a nice idea and you get that warm fuzzy feeling thinking how nice it would be, step back and take a cold shower to the realities of that specific location. While Bill Ficker is a wonderful guy and all, that aside, the suggestion that this is a good location for our city hall is frankly one of the dumbest ideas I have ever heard, for more reasons than this column permits.

BILL DAVENPORT

Corona del Mar

As someone who uses City Hall, I applaud Bill Ficker’s plan. The current location has poor parking and accessibility. The idea of grouping this with our beautiful library is right on target. Since Fashion Island draws tourists, there could be a nice plaza at the new hall with computer kiosks to showcase our amenities and give directions to the many parks and activities nearby. Why not use the building roof to allow a park setting that would benefit many more people than would use the proposed park design?

JANET RICHARDSON

Newport Beach

Bill Ficker’s plan for the building of the new city hall is perfect. We have the opportunity to move from a congested area at the end of the Costa Mesa Freeway. This location could carry a land lease, 25 to 50 years, which could provide cash flow to help pay some of the cost of a new city hall. Can you imagine what that property will be worth in time and still be owned by the citizens of Newport Beach?

The terrace area on Avocado in front of the new city hall would be incredible and a real source of pride for the citizens of our community ? the best in Southern California and beyond. Use your imagination.

This is the only intelligent choice, and if you need more room for flowers, grass and park benches, go up another story or two. After all, we will have long-term financing and a long-term use.

I am sure that the people of Newport Beach will embrace this location and have a renewed sense of pride in our wonderful city.

JAMES and HELGA BIRMINGHAM

Corona del Mar

What a wonderful idea to use available buildings in Newport Center for a new city hall. The exterior could be redecorated in a pleasing “city hall” style to set it apart, and think how fiscally responsible it would be for this very conservative area.

Newport Center is more accessible than the Lido area as far as traffic and parking are concerned. What is up with the Irvine Co.? Are they being stubborn because we won’t allow them to build up to the density they have planned? Shame on you, Irvine Co.

LYDIA B. SHARP

Corona del Mar

My vote is for the new Newport Beach civic center to be at the Corporate Plaza site near Fashion Island. I realize the Irvine Co. has stated that this property is not for sale. I remember that the federal government said that El Toro airport would never be available for public use. Time passes and things change.

Perhaps some delicate pressure on the Irvine Co. will result in a suitable arrangement for both the City of Newport Beach and the Irvine Co. If delicate pressure fails then using the words “eminent domain” might help. If neither option works, perhaps the city might even lease the space. What a concept.

I also remember many years ago when the citizens of Newport Beach voted down a civic center to be located at MacArthur and Pacific Coast Highway. It appears that we made the wrong decision at that time.

PHIL SALISBURY

Newport Beach