City wants to hear Banning Ranch opinions

Newport Beach officials will host a forum for residents to discuss Banning Ranch from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in City Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd.

Representatives of Newport Banning Ranch LLC, the private management team that oversees the land, will give a presentation at the meeting and residents will have a chance to ask questions and voice their opinions.

The city hopes to secure funding from sources including private donations and bonds to buy the land. The city must eventually determine whether to buy the land and preserve it or allow parts of it to be developed.

Newport Banning Ranch representatives have said they hope to unveil plans later this year for more than 1,300 housing units, a 75-room hotel and 75,000 square feet of retail space on the land.

— Brianna Bailey