Arch proclaiming Balboa Village the ‘Home of the Fun Zone’ gets Newport’s OK
Motorists driving along East Balboa Boulevard toward Balboa Village will soon pass under an entry arch sign welcoming them to the “Home of the Fun Zone.”
The Newport Beach City Council voted 4-3 on Tuesday night to approve a $234,398 contract with Hemet-based AToM Engineering Construction Inc. to build the sign, which will span East Balboa Boulevard at Adams Street. The sign is expected to be installed by late August or early September, according to city staff.
Mayor Diane Dixon, whose district includes Balboa Village, said the sign is a key component to a revitalization effort in the aging area that has lasted several years.
Balboa Village, with its vintage arcade, ice cream and candy shops and boating stores, provides a unique window into Newport Beach’s more than 100-year history. But troubled businesses and aging infrastructure are apparent to city officials and some residents who have been working to spur economic activity there.
“I’ve seen the passion and commitment from the public to revitalize our community in Balboa Village,” Dixon said. “I think it really will create a sense of identity.”
Council members Scott Peotter, Kevin Muldoon and Marshall “Duffy” Duffield dissented, in part, they said, because of the sign’s cost. Duffield also said the sign is too large for the area.
“It’s just so dominating, but I’m not sure that’s the exact thing that’s necessary for this economic boom to happen,” he said. “I wish it were smaller.”
The steel sign will be supported by concrete pedestals on both sides of East Balboa Boulevard. The words “Balboa Village” will be in large letters at the top of the arch. The arch also will feature a circular logo of a Ferris wheel with the words “Home of the Fun Zone” around it. LED lighting will illuminate the sign at night, plans show.
Marcel Ford, president of the Balboa Village Merchants Assn., said Tuesday that the sign is a necessary step in the revitalization process.
“Balboa Village unfortunately has been a forgotten area for many years,” he said. “We’re working our way out of this blighted image. The village really needs as much help as we can get.”
However, some residents wrote to the City Council that they believe the sign is too expensive and a waste of taxpayer money.
“Please, please do not spend over 200K on a Balboa Village sign,” resident Angie McCunniff wrote. “What a horrible waste of funds. There are many, many things to purchase that will enhance Newport Beach.”
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Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
