Mailbag: Jetpacks had no place operating in Newport Harbor

Goodbye and good riddance to Jetpack America, a public nuisance for all folks residing around the Newport Harbor turning basin (“Jetpack operator exits ‘tight restrictions’,” Oct. 26). The jet blast from these contraptions sounds louder than an industrial vacuum cleaner and persists all day, every day, in the summer, and on weekends and holidays, year-round. Thank heavens they were allowed to operate only one jet pack at a time.

After a thorough study, the Harbor Commission correctly recommended that jetpacks not be allowed to operate in the harbor, and it was never entirely clear why the City Council did not accept that recommendation. The leaders in Newport Beach, a largely a residential community, should always endeavor to protect the quiet enjoyment of the residents.

Craig P. Kennedy

Newport Beach

Proposal better suited to Irvine

Since the Planning Commission recently elected to send the Museum House residential project to the City Council, it has been said that our council intends to approve this project with a majority vote. I say no.

If you’d like to see what we’re going to be faced with, just head down to Irvine and see some of the monster high rises among various low-rise buildings. Now picture a monster high rise among the tasteful mix of buildings we now have in Fashion Island.

Let’s not kid ourselves. The Museum House development guarantees a magnificent new art museum with a sizeable endowment for years to come. It’s just that these art folks are selling the city of Newport Beach out and taking their show to Costa Mesa. Wake up, people! The height of this building is too excessive, and has no place at Fashion Island.

Pete Rabbitt

Newport Beach

Jean Watt’s Museum piece got it right

Re. “Commentary: Museum House should go to a vote of the people,” Oct. 28: Bravo to Jean Watt for her letter concerning the building of more condos in Fashion Island, which we do not need.

Patricia Irwin

Newport Beach

Compromise is the better part of valor

Re. “Commentary: The left, right need to come together for the common good,” Oct. 30: Benjamin J. Hubbard’s article reminds me of Sir Edmund Burke’s quote: “All government, indeed every human benefit and employment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromises.”

They both were absolutely correct. Are you listening, Congress?

Les H. Cohen

Seal Beach