Eminent domain leaves divide

Should the city of Costa Mesa adopt an additional area on the

Westside, and make use of eminent domain (“Redevelopment zone vote

held up,” March 11)?

Absolutely. Anyone who has taken the time to understand the

problems plaguing the area and the solutions would surely agree.

Eminent domain and redevelopment are tools to be used wisely, not

enemies to fear.

While it is unfortunate that both conjure up the worst in people’s

minds, they are sorely needed to ameliorate blight. To qualify as

technically “blighted,” and thus to qualify to be included in an

added area, the vicinity must be deemed unable to improve without the

involvement of the Redevelopment Agency. Given the fact that one of

the most pressing problems facing the area is that of mixed or “spot”

zoning, it will be necessary to rezone, and consolidate parcels to

create effective planning areas. This may require eminent domain.

Another problem lies in the hundreds of tiny rental properties.

The small properties create streets with dozens of driveways per

block, and cause repetitive and needless waste of open space. Many of

these areas would benefit from lot consolidation and establishment of

larger, more efficient complexes (which current owners could

theoretically own shares of in exchange for their current

operations).

Beyond the other examples illustrated herein, the predominant wish

I have heard from Westside homeowners is for a new commercial center

(grocery/drug store) on 19th Street. That is a pretty simple request,

and I’m sure that anyone would agree that such a center would act as

a catalyst to help bring up the area.

This is where eminent domain is especially important, because

there are no lots large enough to accommodate such a center. The

possible locations feature dozens of parcels that would be nearly

impossible to consolidate without eminent domain, and as such,

eminent domain is essential in breaking the logjam. Once again, it is

possible that existing businesses could be relocated into the new

center in much the same way that local favorite “Nick’s Pizza” was

allowed to remain when the Harbor Center was redeveloped.

Without redevelopment, and eminent domain, we all better get used

to things the way they are, and worse.

ERIC BEVER

Westside

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Eric Bever is a founding member of the Westside

Improvement Assn. and a member of the Community Redevelopment Action

Committee.

I think that the construction in Costa Mesa should try to find

another avenue other than the eminent domain. I think that is very

dictatorial. I don’t agree with it at all. I think there are other

ways they can accomplish what they are trying to do. There are many

other avenues they can pick.

RICHARD CORNELL

Corona del Mar

I do not believe the city should use the eminent domain. My

husband has a business in that area and is doing very well.

JANE MAURER

Costa Mesa