Revitalization plans come before council

When many people think of Newport Beach, palm trees and glistening yachts come to mind.

But for some residents, business owners and city officials, the picture isn’t so idyllic.

In one part of the city, bare dirt and a chain-link fence pass for the shoulder of a major city entryway. In another, businesses turn over like the tide and visitors clog parking spaces meant for residents.

To bring these areas up to what some consider “Newport Beach standards,” city officials last year launched a campaign to revitalize five specific places. The City Council will review the first of three projects Tuesday.

Lido Village, West Newport Beach and Santa Ana Heights have tentative plans to spruce up streetscapes or improve struggling commercial districts.

The proposals range from a selection of trees and shrubs to fill a relatively sparsely planted median to extensive architectural and design guidelines for future private and public development.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Committee still has to approve Corona del Mar and Balboa Village’s plans before the council can review them.

“There was a tremendous amount of community involvement,” said Councilman and committee member Rush Hill.

Residents, property owners and others interested in the projects met publicly over the past several months and crafted plans to address issues specific to each site. Before any actual construction begins, the city has to allocate funds and select firms.

Later this year, officials plan to address Mariner’s Mile.

Information on each area is available on the city website’s neighborhood revitalization page.

The City Council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd. The Neighborhood Revitalization Committee next meets at 4 p.m. Thursday, also in the City Council Chambers.

mike.reicher@latimes.com

Twitter: @mreicher