Crossing Bridge, Not Community

Bravo to (Mayor) Mary Hornbuckle and Joe Erickson and the Costa Mesa City Council for taking a stand against the Santa Ana River crossings and the widening of East 19th Street (“Council to Oppose 2 Proposed Bridges,” Nov. 22). The City Council and residents are united to eliminate these planned river crossings and to downgrade East 19th Street.

We are pleased that the voices of Costa Mesa residents are being heard and that our City Council is taking action to protect the future environment and quality of life of our city.

Several homeowners associations in Costa Mesa have formed a coalition to preserve the quality of life in our residential neighborhoods. The proposed bridge crossings and East 19th Street widening would have resulted in adverse environmental and traffic impacts on our community, with no apparent benefit to our city.

Costa Mesa has contributed its fair share to Orange County, including the Costa Mesa Freeway extension, which benefits Newport Beach; widening of Victoria Street, which benefits Huntington Beach, and Adams Street improvements, which benefit Fountain Valley. In addition, the Performing Arts Center and South Coast Plaza/Metro complex provide entertainment, shopping and jobs to all of Orange County.

We ask that the county and surrounding cities support Costa Mesa by amending the County Master Plan of Highways to remove plans for the Santa Ana River crossings and the taking of more than 60 homes on a charming residential street.

ROBERT D. HOFFMAN, President, East Side Homeowners Assn., Costa Mesa