Public feedback sought for Mariner’s Mile revitalization
As city officials begin to dig into ways to revitalize Mariner’s Mile, public input is being sought to shape the vision.
The city will host a community workshop Monday to get feedback from residents and business owners about what they would like to see along the 1-mile stretch of West Coast Highway between Newport Boulevard and Dover Drive.
City staff and PlaceWorks, a community planning consulting firm, are putting together a master plan to address possible future uses for the area, as well as limitations to revitalization.
As part of the effort, PlaceWorks is expected to interview area stakeholders to hear their ideas, evaluate the effectiveness of public policies, review the parking management plan and determine how best to design the street for pedestrians and bicyclists, according to their contract with the city.
The study is expected to take six to nine months and go to the Planning Commission and City Council for review.
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In 2011, the council identified Mariner’s Mile as one of six zones in need of revitalization. Work in other areas, including Corona del Mar, Balboa and Lido villages, West Newport and Santa Ana Heights, has been underway for years.
However, a decision on how best to use the narrow Mariner’s stretch, which is hemmed in by bluffs on one side and Newport Harbor on the other, has long eluded city leaders.
The area began as a nautical destination and has transformed over the past several decades into a haven for luxury car dealers, restaurants and yacht businesses.
However, land owners such as Manouch and Mark Moshayedi, who recently purchased Ardell Investment Co.’s property holdings along West Coast Highway, could play a major role in how the area changes, officials say.
In all, the Moshayedis own about 8 acres along Mariner’s Mile, much of which could be up for redevelopment in coming years.
Monday’s community workshop will begin at 7 p.m. in the Yacht Room at the Newport Sea Base, 1931 West Coast Highway.
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Hannah Fry, hannah.fry@latimes.com
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
