Editorial:

With the release of the Environmental Impact Report on Monday regarding Huntington Beach’s Downtown Specific Plan, the future of the downtown area looks uncertain in many ways. Among the report’s findings were that the new developments may strain fire stations and other public services, increase short-term noise levels and have an impact on air quality.

Kellee Fritzal, the deputy director of economic development for the city, said that in her opinion, there were no “overriding issues” in the report, and she may be correct. Still, the recent protests by residents over the proposal to erect a cultural arts center in Triangle Park show that the city’s perception of a major issue may be different from that of many who live downtown.

With the report available, then, it is time for all stakeholders to educate themselves on the plan. As the package winds its way through the Planning Commission this summer, we hope a large number of residents will attend the meetings to voice their opinions.

In the end, the proposed updates may turn out to benefit the neighborhood and bring new life to Huntington Beach as a whole. But any sweeping renovation must be able to withstand tough questions, and we encourage the community to provide those in the weeks to come.