NEWPORT BEACH : Flagpole Dedication Ceremony Delayed

Facing a two-week delay in erecting a commemorative flagpole, city officials have decided to hold two ceremonies--one for the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights and another to dedicate the flagpole in Peninsula Park.

Design changes have stalled the flagpole project and may boost its cost to more than originally estimated. The memorial was scheduled to be dedicated during the bicentennial celebration set for Dec. 15, but because the project is so far behind schedule, another ceremony was planned for Dec. 31.

“It’s going to be real nice,” said City Councilwoman Ruthelyn Plummer, a member of the Bicentennial Committee that is coordinating the project.

The 80-foot flagpole to be built at the foot of the Balboa Pier will include 11 black marble-like plaques around the base. Each of 10 will be inscribed with one of the Bill of Rights--the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The remaining plaque will explain the monument.

The entire project will cost just over $30,000. The City Council will contribute $15,000, and the bicentennial committee will raise the additional funds by selling the plaques to donors.

Plummer said that seven have been sold at $1,500 each. A bronze plate on the plaque will name each donor.