NEWPORT BEACH : City Seeks Greater ‘Spheres of Influence’

A bid to extend Newport Beach’s “sphere of influence” may become part of the city’s effort to preserve an agreement with the county that limits the number and type of flights leaving from John Wayne Airport.

The city is preparing proposals about the airport and three other unincorporated areas for review by the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission.

A sphere of influence, often a precursor to annexation, is used for unincorporated areas that receive services from the city. The city also controls land uses within its sphere. LAFCO requires that cities do periodic reviews of their spheres of influence.

“If John Wayne Airport ever goes into a city, it would be appropriate to go into Newport Beach. It was time for us to ask for that and to plan for that with a sphere of influence review,” said Evelyn Hart, a councilwoman and LAFCO board member.

Newport Beach Advance Planning Manager Patricia Temple, however, warned the council that the property owner--the county--probably would veto an annexation attempt.

The other areas under consideration are:

* The swath of Irvine Avenue between Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, including the potential Bay Knolls annexation area. The area is in Costa Mesa’s sphere of influence now, but residents have expressed interest in incorporation into Newport Beach.

* The Newport Ridge area between Newport Beach and Irvine, near the Coyote Canyon Landfill site.

* The Laguna Greenbelt area between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. Most of the area is part of Crystal Cove state park. Temple has recommended against including this area.