READERS RESPOND

AT ISSUE: Readers continue to raise concerns about and voice support for

the controversial Newport Dunes Hotel proposal.

Even though the weather did not cooperate as I wished it had, the

balloons proved effective in showing at least an approximate height of

the proposed hotel project (“Debate growing on Dunes height,” March 4).

As far as I am concerned, the Dunes has done everything possible to

mitigate the concerns expressed about the project, including a 25%

reduction in the planned size of the resort.

There is no better place than this location for a first-class resort

hotel and convention facility. Let us get on with the process and approve

the development now.

JEFFREY W. WILCOX

Westcliff

As we attend planning meetings and listen to the concerns our planning

commissioners have in regard to the Dunes project, we become more aware

this project doesn’t belong in this location.

The commissioners have all voiced many concerns about the size and mass,

about the lighting, about the traffic and circulation, about the noise

and air quality, and about the water quality.

They have a mighty decision to make regarding this project. Their

instincts tell them to vote no, but the revenue for the city and pressure

from the Chamber of Commerce and the tourist industry tell them to say

yes.

This project is also entangled with the Greenlight issue, and residents’

questioning our City Council’s ability to follow the General Plan and

city codes. Our commissioners may be rushing to get this project approved

before November just because of this entanglement. We hope not.

We think that one of the main problems is we all think of Newport Beach

as an upscale area catering to the more affluent, and we want our project

to suit our picture of this type of clientele. Most of Newport does fit

this mold.

The Dunes location is an exception.

It is a place for a project compatible with a marina -- a resort for

recreational vehicle travelers and the Back Bay Cafe. It is a place for

deck shoes and jeans or shorts.

It is an environmental preserve for all our residents to enjoy and a

beach for our community and our kids and our grand kids.

It is a place for our community to entertain casually. It is not a

black-tie, fund-raising area. It serves a completely different purpose.

Our planners are being asked to view this area as a four- star

destination resort area. It can never be this. Picture moving the

Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point, which is only a 393-room hotel with 30,500

square feet of meeting space, to the Dunes location.

Would that resort be compatible with a third-level entrance overlooking

the roofs of Bayside Village Mobile Home park -- with its 300-foot

driveway going through this same mobile home park -- with its mass and

four-story height squeezed into the confines of this area?

This is close to what is happening. A four-star hotel is being requested

in a two-star area.

Imagine its view at low tide: the water’s green scum and low water level

twice a day. I don’t think this would be beautiful to the tuxedo crowd.

It does have a lot of appeal to the naturalist crowd, which it now

attracts.

We think Commissioner Anne Gifford said it all when she stated that this

could be a white elephant the commissioners would have to live with once

it was built.

But Bayside Village and all of Newport Beach will have to live with it,

also.

ROBERT L. BALEN

JOYCE LAWHORN

BOBBI HOPE

Bayside Village residents

Newport Beach

As a 15-year resident of Newport Beach, I am constantly alert to

prospective changes in my city.

The approval of the Dunes Waterfront Resort would be a plus for Newport

Beach. Here’s why:

1. Beautiful architecture by quality reputable designers

2. Local residents’ views uncompromised

3. Additional rooms for tourists

4. Additional revenue for the city and Newport Beach Convention and

Visitors Bureau

The balloon configuration confirmed my opinion that the hotel would be

appropriately sized for the location.

KATHY LEEK

Newport Beach