Newport Beach : Irvine Co. Submits New Plan for Center Property

Despite having to abandon its plan to expand Newport Center/Fashion Island in 1981 because of an angry citizenry, Irvine Co. officials were back before the city Planning Commission on Thursday night with a new and more extensive proposal for their 700-acre property. Company representatives unveiled their new plans for Newport Center’s expansion before the commission, the first of many public meetings at which their proposal will be discussed.

The plan, which is expected to generate controversy among residents concerned about traffic and growth, calls for three new office buildings, from 12 to 16 stories, along with shops, town houses and road improvements in and around the complex in eastern Newport Beach. About 500 new homes would also be built on the periphery of the company’s property.

Pamela Temple, the city’s environmental coordinator on the project, said Thursday night’s meeting was the first in a series of public hearings on the plan. She added that a final vote would not come until the summer.