Editorial

In theory, Greenlight is a great idea. Slow growth to preserve the

quality of life in Newport Beach.

But the initiative would have been an even better idea, perhaps, had

it arisen 10 years ago, long before the community was nearing build-out.

Now, with less land left to work with, city officials have implemented

Greenlight. And with that comes consequences, some of which are by

design.

When 63% of the city’s voters approved the measure in November, most

knew developers would have difficulty gaining approval for bigger

projects. That way, those bigger projects would be weeded out -- often

without a citywide vote.

Last week, one of those projects came and went.

Not a vote was needed because David Wilson, owner of the very

successful Toyota of Orange, retreated.

It appeared to him that his plan to bring a Lexus dealership -- and

its bountiful revenue -- to Newport Beach would be too much of a hassle,

largely because of Greenlight.

Wilson pointed out that he was not “a big developer like the Irvine

Co. with years and years to wait.” Even without Greenlight, he said his

project would take about five years and $15 million to $20 million to

build.

Reality has set in.

Greenlight will discourage good businessmen like Wilson from building

in Newport Beach. There was no guarantee that his project would even go

to a citywide vote, but he withdrew anyway.

Were his project to have gone to a vote, Wilson would have to invest

even more time and money to campaign for its approval. And even then, he

would not be guaranteed victory.

This reality will scare off developers who don’t have the time or

money to waste. And they will set up shop in other cities.

That’s Greenlight, folks.

If it’s everything the approving voters of Newport Beach want, then

more power to them. If not, the detriment of the measure is becoming

clear.

Without a doubt, car dealers bring in revenue. On the city’s Web site,

it proudly boasts that “Fletcher Jones [is] one of the highest-selling

Mercedes Benz dealerships in the United States.” What was to prevent

Wilson’s Lexus dealership from putting up some great numbers as well,

especially given his success in Orange?

Unless someone can talk Wilson into giving the city another whirl, his

Lexus agency is out.

With that said, next up are larger proposals, such as Banning Ranch

Center, expansion of Conexant Systems Inc., the Koll Center office

building and expansion of Newport Dunes Resort.

There are ways around facing Greenlight -- i.e., downsizing projects

-- but those developers who refuse to do so will simply take their

business elsewhere.

And for those residents seeking a shiny, new Lexus, just know you

won’t get a lemon at Lexus of Newport Beach.

You won’t even be able to get a new car because there won’t be a

dealership.