The Irvine Co.’s Plan for Expanding Newport Center

I continue to be amazed at the shortsighted attitude of some of the residents of our fair city. They have completely ignored some basic facts of life: Tourists will always come to our area. Our own population growth is extremely low due to lack of land for additional housing. Pacific Coast Highway is a state-controlled highway. And the state will listen when local areas disagree with their plans and widen in the other areas. These are the given facts we live with.

Now, we have the opportunity to receive relief from some of the traffic congestion by the building of new roads: Pelican Hills Road, the San Joaquin Corridor and all the other improvements offered by the Irvine Co., or we will come to a standstill--not only in the summer but also on weekends any time of the year.

Newport Beach is now in the middle of a lawsuit because we lack housing in the affordable price range. The number of units planned may seem high to some, but they will provide affordable units for those who are and will be working in Newport Center, thus reducing the traffic in and around the center.

In addition to the benefits to traffic and housing, there also will be a teen center, child care center, larger library, art museum, cultural center and more theaters. What a benefit to all!

Support the Planning Commission and the City Council, and watch our quality of life improve.

DOROTHY HARDCASTLE

Balboa