MAILBAG:

In October and November I outlined my concerns about a pending development agreement between the Irvine Co. and the city regarding future development in Newport Center.

The proposal is for the city to grant to the Irvine Co. entitlement for 430 new housing units and almost 280,000 square feet of new office development (mostly through the transfer of development rights authorized by our new general plan).

In exchange, the Irvine Co. would pay the city almost $43 million. The development agreement implements land uses authorized by the new voter- approved general plan.

I reviewed the pending development agreement in detail, spoken with representatives of the Irvine Co. and also with Mayor Steve Rosansky and Mayor Pro Tem Ed Selich, who were the chief negotiators for the city, about a number of my concerns.

I considered the development agreement in terms of what appears to be a looming local real estate sector recession and how much near-term money will be paid to the city under the agreement. Given the market for new housing and receding local office rental market, I believe Rosansky and Selich have negotiated an advantageous agreement for the city.

I am also mindful of the long-term outlook and first-class development reputation of the Irvine Co. in our city, which is evident by their quality work in Newport Center and Newport Coast.

My conclusion is that the terms of the development agreement are close to or at current market conditions, the payment schedule is beneficial, therefore the City Council should approve the agreement at its meeting Dec. 11.

I am confident the Irvine Co. will use these new development rights to make well conceived improvements to Newport Center. I believe their efforts will ensure that the center continues to attract and remain a site for economic growth and vitality in the future.

And regardless of what happens with the Bill Ficker Initiative in February, a future city hall in Newport Center can now become a reality, although I still strongly favor the Central Library site.

JOHN HEFFERNAN

Former Newport Beach mayor

Expansion affects corridor cities

Board members of AirFair were gratified to read the editorial in the Daily Pilot (“Saving golf holes sends a message,” Dec. 9).

That was our strong input to Supervisor John Moorlach when the golf course issue first surfaced. It was also the subject of a special mailing to our many supporters asking them to contact O.C. supervisors to express their concern. The airport affects not just golfers. It also affects homeowners. AirFair is reaching out to citizens of the other corridor cities to join our fight. If all residents impacted by the airport present a united front, we will provide a powerful voice to stop expansion. Thanks for keeping this issue on your radar.

MELINDA SEELY

President, AirFair

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