READERS RESPOND

Readers support Dunes project

AT ISSUE: The proposal to build a 400-room hotel and 100-unit time share

resort at Newport Dunes. The project’s environmental report is currently

under review.

As a community builder and longtime Newport Beach resident, I am writing

in support of the hotel proposed for the Dunes Resort. It will be an

elegant addition to our city and will provide a strong economic cash flow

directly to the city and to our retail and restaurant businesses on a

year-roundbasis.

The architect -- Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo -- designed the Four

Seasons Newport Center and the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point. They are

ranked among the best in the world and we are fortunate to have them

involved. It will be a beautiful hotel, and one in which we will take

pride.

It is important for any viable community to have a balance of

residential, commercial and visitor-serving facilities. This hotel and

its much needed conference and event space will help us achieve that

balance.

I do not think traffic will be a problem. Hotel traffic does not occur

during rush hours, and will have very minimal effect on travel time. The

location of the hotel will primarily generate traffic on streets designed

to handle it, and not through residential or heavy commercial areas.

These people are willing to invest $100 million in a high-quality

addition to our city. We should be appreciative and supportive.

BILL LUSK

Newport Beach

Thank you for your Nov. 16 article on the city of Newport Beach Finances.

Based on [administrative services director Dennis] Danner’s analysis, it

appears we are facing either major cuts in services and major

infrastructure problems, or higher fees and taxes if we don’t take action

in the next few years.

Since reading that article, I have seen several letters to your paper

opposing the proposed Newport Dunes Resort Hotel. It seems to me that the

Dunes project would be a needed boost to our local economy and assist in

long-term stability. This project would provide the city with new revenue

from hotel and sales taxes, a larger conference and ballroom space for

local charity balls and an expanded resort area.

For many, the city of Newport Beach is a destination city and the tourism

support helps provide the wonderful quality of life enjoyed by both

residents and tourists alike.

JOSEPH H. PARKER

Newport Beach