READERS RESPOND

The Bill Ficker location for a new city hall has several things going for it. Consider the facts that only one move would be required for city personnel with minimal interruption of services, and the city owns the property upon which to build. The existing site could be sold, probably at a net profit. Not mentioned is the fact that the new site would not be a view blocker, and open space would still be available. I am all for his proposal.

KEN KNIGHT

Corona del Mar

A heck of a good idea! Joining the main library would make a great city center.

ED AKINS

Newport Beach

Bill Ficker’s plan for the location of a new city hall is beautiful for its common sense and simplicity. It eliminates the creation of a $100 million obligation (including interest) by sensibly using assets the city already owns. This concept must be adequately presented to the community for approval or disapproval. It should not by decided by a small group of politicians or environmental activists.

RICHARD D. ALLEN

Corona Del Mar

I vote for Ficker’s solution. We already own the land, and it’s in a sensible location. It is centrally located and is easy to access, near a bus hub. His idea saves money and leaves some to purchase small neighborhood parks that can be walked to by adults and children instead of being located in the midst of office buildings.

In addition, we can have plenty of parking underground without ruining anyone’s view. Sounds like a winning solution to me!

K.G. PARKHURST

Corona del Mar

Conservation and preservation have recently prevailed at the national level for our national parks. Our country’s citizens have voiced their concerns for the importance of preservation at all levels, scenic vistas included. In our city, scenic views of our city and its natural beauty are rare. Whether we are on a walk, a picnic or a park bench, the opportunity to enjoy natural surroundings should not be passed over for a meeting room with a view.

CHRISTIE WOOD

Newport Beach

It’s my opinion that the proper use for this land is as a public park. It’s been planned and approved as a park. In my opinion, in this matter, we should stay the course.

DON HARVEY

Newport Beach

We wholeheartedly support Bill Ficker’s city hall proposal. It’s a logical, common-sense solution for everyone involved.

JEAN and LARRY HARRIS

Newport Beach

Bill Ficker is right on! City Hall needs to be moved off the traffic- and parking-impacted peninsula to a more central and accessible location. The city-owned property next to the library fits the bill. By selling the current site, the city will net much of the cost of building the new city hall while adding to the city’s tax base by selling the current site to a private party. I don’t know how anyone realistically thinks there will be park uses in this parcel that is surrounded on three sides with considerable traffic. I am concerned that city leaders have already made up their minds where the city hall will be and will pay no more serious attention to Ficker’s suggestion than they have to any other alternative. Count me as a supporter of the library site!

PEER SWAN

Newport Beach

Bill Ficker is right. Way back when city leaders first discussed a possible new site for the city hall, I thought that they were insane to rule out the site above the library simply because it was supposed to be open space. It is not a practical location for any kind of a park, between two busy streets, and would get very little use as such. However, it would be an ideal location for the city hall, right next to the library, with good access from most of the areas of the city, and could even share parking space with the library when there were special occasions going on at either place. Why not use part of the current city hall location as a park? That area needs a park and more open space much more than the library area. Also, the traffic getting to the current city hall is miserable and will only get worse. Nothing that could be rebuilt there would ever be anything that the city could be proud of.

JERRY PARKS

Newport Beach