READERS RESPOND

I am opposed to re-locating Newport Beach city hall to the Central Library area. It is almost impossible to get onto Avocado Street from MacArthur Boulevard now. That move will only compound the issue. Leave well enough alone. Leave a new city hall at the old site.

WILLIAM M. MONROE, Corona Del Mar

Locating the Newport Beach city hall next to the main library or in the Newport Center area seems like a much more convenient location than its current location. I applaud the site-selection committee for choosing this central location.

JACK LANGSON, Bayshores

I think the park behind the library would be a much more sensible spot for the city hall. That is if they can’t negotiate with the Irvine Co. to long-term lease one of the company’s other buildings or swap with them. The City does give the Irvine Co. so much in rezoning and traffic allowances. How can the Irvine Co. be such a one-way street to the people of Newport Beach?

WILLIAM J. O’CONNOR, Newport beach

Bill Ficker’s plan for the new Newport Beach city hall above the Central Library is practical and economical ? it makes sense. The proposed Avocado location provides accessibility and convenience for the majority of Newport’s residents. The space could accommodate a new city hall, underground parking and possibly a park above the parking structure.

Part of the old city hall location could be transformed into a park that would definitely be more accessible and usable in addition to adding to the aesthetics of the area. Let’s be realistic ? how many citizens would actually use a park between Avocado and MacArthur? I am supportive of parks and preserving open space, and believe the peninsula is an area of the city in need of both.

This is a great opportunity to design a building that would become a city landmark with distinctive architecture and detail, something that would be a symbol of Newport Beach, just like the Balboa Pavilion. Let’s make the most of this situation to enhance our beautiful city.

CATHERINE SLOAN, Newport Beach

Bill Ficker’s plan for the building of a new city hall is perfect. We have the opportunity to move from a congested area at the end of the Costa Mesa freeway. (This location could carry a land lease of 25 to 50 years, which could provide cash flow to help pay some of the cost of a new city hall. Can you imagine what that property will be worth in time and still be owned by the residents of Newport Beach?)

The terrace area on Avocado, in front of the new city hall, would be incredible and a real sense of pride for the people of our community ? the best in Southern California and beyond ? use your imagination.

This is the only intelligent choice and if you need more room for flowers, grass and park benches, go up another story or two. After all, we will have long-term financing and long-term use.

I am sure that the people of Newport Beach will embrace this location and have a reunited sense of pride in our wonderful city.

JAMES AND HELGA BIRMINGHAM, Corona del Mar

I feel, since I’ve lived in the Costa Mesa-Newport area for almost 70 years, it’s appropriate for me to comment on the city hall issue.

I truly believe that the best area for relocation of the Newport Beach city hall is the Avocado location. It’s 11 acres; a smaller-scale can still be accommodated in that area. That location is more centrally located to all Newport Beach residents.

I’ve had occasion to visit the Newport Beach City Hall (for permits for my church fair) and it is deteriorated ? very poor condition. Of course, the area I visited was bustling with activity, long waiting lines without much of an area to make visitors comfortable and welcome.

RACHEL PEREZ-HAMILTON, Costa Mesa

The Bill Ficker concept for a new city hall makes absolute sense for all the right reasons: