Letter of the week

As a West Side homeowner, I agree that the area needs improvement, but

I do not believe that the current plan will improve property values or

quality of life for me or my neighbors. Westside property values are

currently depressed by an average of $100,000 per home when compared to

the Eastside -- why?

The draft plan’s failure to address the root problem of rundown,

crowded apartments, as well as it’s ignorance of the area’s excellent

coastal location and development possibilities renders a plan which

cannot fully serve the needs of the citizens.

Imagine for a moment that the West Side is a bettered, but classic old

car. The current plan would suggest installing shiny new mag wheels, but

would leave the rest of the car broken down and in tatters. It still

looks bad and won’t run, but gee, the wheels sure look nice.

Unfortunately, the car will continue to sit and decay, with no real

improvement in value or function.

I cannot support the current plan, because the West Side needs a true

redevelopment, vigorous code enforcement and pride of ownership to

achieve it’s full value and quality, not just window dressing and quickie

paint jobs. The city needs to start over and create a plan that addresses

the true potential of the area, taking the location, environment and

desirability into consideration.

The West Side has great potential, so I ask: Why do a half-hearted job

and leave the area to rot, when we have the ability to make it into one

of the nicest places in Southern California?

Eric Bever

COSTA MESA