READERS RESPOND

Let’s think of our families and youth. We are in desperate need of more playing fields in our area. Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in Southern California, but practice fields are limited, and often the kids are practicing in compromised space, sharing with several other teams.

Maybe we do need more slips, I don’t know. What I do know and care about deeply is that my son has space to play.

KELLY PEDERSEN

Newport Beach

I have lived on the Balboa Peninsula since 1979 and therefore have some idea about what is happening there.

First of all, the taxpayers should have and must have a financial analysis of this project. I have a financial background and believe that you must look at the numbers to make an intelligent decision. Does the $14 million the Pilot mentioned include the cost of moving the trailers, relocation, etc.?

What about the contract our city fathers signed with Stephen Sutherland for the proposed hotel? This is a debacle. I am told that he has a legally binding development contract that could cost many millions dollars to settle. What is going on with it? How much is this boondoggle going to cost the taxpayers of Newport Beach?

The best use for this 9.8 acres is commercial with boat slips. I drive by the tennis courts every day, and they are seldom used.

The American Legion is an anachronism. I am a Navy veteran of the Korean War and have never set foot in an American Legion Club. All that is is a bar that serves cheap drinks.

How many Girl Scouts are there? This is a dying organization in my opinion. With all of the school activities, how much time is there for the girls to participate?

On top of all of this, the city needs a new city hall to replace what I consider a disgrace to this fine city. Where is all the money coming from? A commercial project would provide substantial income to the city so that taxes do not have to be raised. Please have someone on your staff with financial acumen take a look at this whole deal and give the taxpayers some numbers.

RICHARD H. SPURZEM

Balboa Peninsula

As a peninsula resident, I would like to support the “Windows to the Bay Park Plan,” which includes a new Girl Scout House. It would not be fair to girls of Orange County to do away with this wonderful location when the Boy Scouts have a beautiful facility on Coast Highway.

KIRSTEN SCHMIEDER-ROTH

Newport Beach

As a resident of Balboa Peninsula, I feel the park should be a combination of the two proposals. It’s great when projects pay for themselves (which this will, it’s just a question of the payback period) but there aren’t public areas overlooking the bay.

DAVID FROSCHAUER

Balboa Peninsular