Residents press issue to save park

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT-MESA -- Costa Mesa residents and school board members found some

common ground Tuesday night after weeks of debate over the potential sale

of a neighborhood park.

The residents’ impassioned pleas to save Balearic Park hit home with some

school board members, who have been considering selling the land for

much-needed funds to maintain school buildings.

In turn, school officials convinced the park advocates that they, too,

would like to see the property remain a park.

A group of residents raised concerns more than a month ago when they

learned the Newport-Mesa Unified School District might sell some of its

unused properties, such as Balearic Park, to raise money for the

maintenance of school buildings. They have rallied together, loudly

protesting the notion of losing precious open space.

Costa Mesa resident Richard Mann’s words drew the attention of board

members when he warned that they might later regret their actions if they

sold the park. Mann offered the Los Angeles Unified School District as an

example of what he considers shortsighted decisions by local government.

“The only place they can build new schools is on the top of toxic waste

dumps,” Mann said.

Mann is one of about 20 residents who are trying to block the sale by

circulating a petition. The group has more than 1,000 signatures and it

plans to launch a letter-writing campaign, said Martie O’Meara, one of

the Costa Mesa residents spearheading the committee to save Balearic

Park.

The discussion of the possible property transaction dominated the Tuesday

study session, which also included discussion about creating a reserve

fund to maintain schools after upgrades are made on the buildings.

No decisions were made at the study session.

Residents have feared that the district would sell the 9.25-acre park to

developers because a facilities committee recommended the sale as a way

to raise money.

“It’s an under-performing asset for the school district,” said Jim

Ferryman, a board member. “We’ve got to optimize all our assets and that

is one asset that is not being used. But I think I’m speaking for the

board when I say I want to see it remain a park.”

After another round of community pleas to leave the park as it is, Supt.

Robert Barbot assured residents that the district would work to create a

win-win situation. Park advocates said they hope school officials stick

to their word.

“I think if they are honest, it will be fine,” said O’Meara.

In addition to the idea of selling the property, board members have also

discussed finding a long-term tenant for the park with a purchase option.

Another solution could be the purchase of the park by its current tenant,

the city of Costa Mesa.

The Costa Mesa City Council may discuss buying the park at an upcoming

meeting, but it cannot do anything until the district puts the property

on the market, said Councilwoman Heather Somers, who with City Manager

Allen Roeder attended the study session.

“The entire city of Costa Mesa is completely built out,” Somers said. “We

do not want to lose any open space.”