Questioning Development Plans

In reference to the article by Mary Ann Galante (“Move Over, Surfers,” March 26) dealing with the development of the Huntington Beach Pacific Coast Highway area by the Robert Mayer Corp., my personal experience contradicts certain items in the article.

My husband and I enjoy visiting and eating at hotels. From all appearances, the hotels do not appear to be crowded. In fact, it amazes me how they stay open, as there appears to be a lack of people in many of the hotels.

The article quotes Stephen K. Bone, executive director of the Mayer Corp., as saying that the people in the Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley areas have “a tremendous need for first-class (meeting and banquet) facilities.” I have worked for various businesses in the area and never found that there was such a need.

Another comment that I would disagree with is the quote by David R. Kinkade of Laventhol & Horwath, consultant to the Mayer Corp. Mr. Kinkade said, “It takes an extra 10 minutes to drive (from John Wayne Airport) to the beach.” I live in Fountain Valley, and a month ago I drove on a Saturday at 10:30 a.m. to the airport, and it took 20 minutes. I and others would like to know what route Mr. Kinkade takes that he can make it from the airport to Huntington Beach in 10 minutes.

I am sure this hotel will be built and the area will become another Seaside Village or Seashore Village or Hawaiian Village and will look the same as all the other ocean developments. A few years from now, everyone will reminisce about the oil wells and the old surf shops just like people who live in this area today reminisce about the old Red Car Line and the strawberry and bean fields.

PATRICIA S. HEANEY

Fountain Valley