NEWPORT BEACH : Residents of Area Irked by Shelter Ads

Residents of the Newport Hills area near Ford Road and MacArthur Boulevard are upset that new roadside bus shelters in their neighborhood also contain advertisements and have asked the city to prohibit them.

Residents in communities there say the ads cheapen the look of the area and should not be included in the bus shelters. Residents were also concerned about the lights that illuminate the ads and shelters at night, which they say do not look appropriate in their residential area.

Additionally, some said that they are concerned that more shelters with ads will be built, and they want the city to establish a policy now before more are added.

The city has said it will look into the situation.

Councilwoman Evelyn R. Hart said she agreed with neighbors there that the ads detracted from the well-groomed look of the area and should be reconsidered.

However, Mayor Phil Sansone cautioned against removing ads because that might result in a loss of lighting. The area is somewhat rural and dark, and the shelter lighting helps illuminate the area.

The lighting “does provide some security for people waiting for the bus,” Sansone said.

Most residents said they are in favor of keeping the shelters but only want the ads removed. The City Council discussed the issue this week, and city staff is looking into a solution.