NEWPORT BEACH : City Weighs Plan to Reduce Parking

A plan to remove or reduce street parking in residential neighborhoods along Seashore Drive between 34th Street and the Santa Ana River is being considered by the City Council.

The proposal comes from Councilwoman Ruthelyn Plummer, who has long lobbied to reduce street parking on the street that is one block from the ocean, parallels Ocean Front and is often congested with beach parkers.

“I don’t think it’s the city’s responsibility to provide free parking,” said Plummer in a prepared statement at a council study session last week.

“I think we’re going to have to rethink that unwritten policy” of not regulating residential parking, Plummer said. “I think it’s one thing to provide parking for the residents. I think it’s another thing to provide parking for everyone who comes to visit.”

The plan to eliminate parking would wipe out about 38 public spots in the area, plus an additional 50 spaces on street-ends in the targeted area.

The area is lined mostly with apartments, many that are rented out during summer months to beach visitors who often bring extra guests and visitors who need parking.

The congestion has brought complaints from residents who say that it is difficult to find street parking and that it poses safety hazards as people try to maneuver out of garages and onto narrow streets lined with parked cars.

The council is not sure what kind of plan would best work to allow some parking while regulating beach visitors and guests.

A preliminary analysis by the Traffic Department said it would be difficult to install parking meters because most of the street does not have sidewalks and curbs.

The council may also consider a residential parking-permit system so residents would still be able to find nearby parking.