Newport arts center location debated

Mathis Winkler

NEWPORT BEACH -- The City Council debated a controversial proposal to

build an arts and education center on open space behind the central

library late into the night Tuesday.

Before the meeting, a majority of the members had indicated they would

support keeping the site as open space.

The proposal for the $12-million project seeks to use about 3.5 acres

of the 12.5-acre site to build a 400-seat auditorium and classrooms for

the city’s residents.

Environmentalists strongly oppose the idea, saying it would reduce the

city’s scarce open space.

Mayor Gary Adams, who had said project supporters and residents alike

had not had enough time to examine the proposal, said he changed his mind

after considering the need to protect open space.

“I think [open space protection] may supersede, really, the issue of

whether or not we’ve looked into this far enough,” Adams said before the

meeting.

Adams added that he was considering proposing a city-sponsored ballot

initiative that would place restrictions on developing open space.

Center supporters expressed disappointment over the possibility of

having the open space site eliminated as a potential site but said they’d

explore alternatives for the center.

Last week, the owner of the defunct Port Theater on East Coast Highway

expressed his interest in talking about making his building available for

the project.