Mailbag: Opposition to Banning Ranch project is perplexing
As hard as I try, I cannot understand the strong opposition to conversion of the 400 acres of barren oil fields called the Banning Ranch into a beautiful community of homes, shops, a boutique hotel and now 280 acres of preserved open space for public enjoyment.
Yes, I know the usual outcry against any new development anywhere in Southern California — traffic, pollution, wildlife, loss of open space — and the newest addition, carbon footprint. But these are overused, really tired excuses to block development. There must be a new and different reason for such excessive effort to stop development of the Banning Ranch.
There is another excuse for opposing change that has not been used: property values. But this tired argument cannot be utilized here, because as proposed, the Banning Ranch development would greatly increase property values of the surrounding community.
The developers have already greatly reduced the number of homes proposed from 1,375 to 895, and that means the home prices will have to be even higher than originally conceived. And nearby retail and a quaint hotel with dining facilities will only add even more value to the area.
Someone, some time ago, must have decided that improving the west Newport area was not a good idea. After reading letter after letter and commentary after commentary in the Daily Pilot opposing the Banning Ranch, I believe I know the answer: Opposing something as a group is fun and exciting.
But it is time for the fun to stop. It is time for the California Coastal Commission, and then the Newport Beach City Council, to approve this potentially valuable addition to the city of Newport Beach — and to the adjacent communities in Costa Mesa.
Martin A. Brower
Corona del Mar
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Thank you, Corona del Mar Today
Re. “Letters from the Editor: Corona del Mar is a better place because of Amy Senk,” (Dec. 13): Amy Senk has provided an invaluable service to the CdM area.
As a University of Missouri graduate and reporter for Kansas City Star and the Contra Costa Times, she has world-class journalism credentials, which she used to report on major stories. Her experience is evident in her ability to write strong stories on both serious and humorous topics, every day. We will miss her reporting.
Laura Curran
Newport Beach