Old Newport Blvd. Cleanup Plan OKd
The City Council has approved recommendations from a panel of 10 citizens and two council members on how to clean up Old Newport Boulevard.
The committee studied the stretch of road north of West Coast Highway for more than two years and recommended better lighting, more landscaping and fewer auto repair shops and gas stations.
The panel also asked the council to change the zoning to allow mixed-use developments on the west side of the street. Such projects are now allowed only on the east side.
At the encouragement of some property owners along Old Newport Boulevard, the committee also suggested that larger buildings be permitted on the small parcels of land.
City Manager Kevin J. Murphy said the changes were inspired by property owners who wanted to upgrade and expand buildings but had been prohibited by past ordinances.
City officials projected that the street improvements will cost $770,000. The city expects to pay part of that but will consider establishing an assessment district to cover the rest.
--BY BILL BILLITER, MIMI KO CRUZ AND HOPE HAMASHIGE
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