NEWPORT BEACH : Panel to Consider Bay Access Limits
The Planning Commission tonight will consider a controversial county plan to restrict public access to Upper Newport Bay Regional Park and restore its wildlife habitat.
The commission discussed the plan two weeks ago but delayed a decision to get more input from residents and county harbor, beach and park officials.
In addition to guidelines restricting horseback riding, bicycling and pedestrians with dogs, the $6-million plan includes construction of a 10,000-square-foot visitor center and ranger station near the intersection of Irvine Avenue and University Drive, according to a report prepared by the city planning staff.
The park, which wraps around the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve from Santiago Drive on the west to the Eastbluff area, is a grassy meadow crisscrossed by several dirt trails. Those trails are used regularly by the public.
In the April 22 meeting of the Planning Commission, several dozen people showed up to support making the park accessible to the public.
For its part, the county has proposed making the park off-limits to horseback riders and people walking dogs.
The Planning Commission meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.
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