Commentary: Don't Dilute CEQA, Improve It The Environmental Quality Act Plays an Important Role in Protecting Californians By John Van de Kamp, L. A. Times May 9, 2013 Click here to read this news item
Newport pushes for 19th Street Bridge Alternatives As county traffic planners study the proposed 19th Street Bridge, Newport Beach city officials are lobbying to win street improvements, in case the bridge idea is permanently scrapped. By Mike Reicher, Daily Pilot September 10, 2012 Click here to read this news item
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Conservancy Sues Newport Over Banning Ranch Development The Conservancy group said the project goes against what voters wanted the site to be - open space - and contends that the project will have adverse effects on the environment and animal habitats. By Josh Francis, Orange County Register September 5, 2012 Click here to read this news item
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Conservancy Files Lawsuit Against Banning Ranch Approval In its lawsuit against the city of Newport Beach, the Conservancy argues that the project violates the City's General Plan. By Britney Barnes and Brittany Woolsey, Daily Pilot September 4, 2012 Click here to read this news item
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Commentary: Banning Will Make It Harder For Me to Breathe A Costa Mesa resident's questions relating to the planned development and the threat of air quality contamination as well as remediation issues and legality of the proposed development in general. By Kim Farthing August 30, 2012 http://www.dailypilot.com/opinion/tn-dpt-0831-commentary2-20120830.0.4425398.story
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Bid to Overhaul California Environmental Quality Act Falls Short "The Senate will not take up comprehensive CEQA reform in the last days of the legislative session," Steinberg, D-Sacramento, told reporters at the Capitol. "This law, for all of its strengths and its faults, is far too important to rewrite in the last days of the session." By David Siders, Sacramento Bee August 24, 2012 http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/4753169/bid-to-overhaul-california-environmental.html#mi_rss=Environment
* * * * * * Coastal Commission Approves Sunset Ridge Park Coastal Development Permit Posted Date: 8/9/2012 6:30 PM
The California Coastal Commission (Commission) has approved a Coastal Development Permit for the proposed Sunset Ridge Park, thus allowing the City of Newport Beach (City) to build a much-needed, public park with ball fields in West Newport.
Newport Beach Mayor Nancy Gardner said, "We are ecstatic over the news and are grateful for the Commission's approval. The project will take a vacant, barely accessible piece of land and create a park with places for kids to play sports and places for people of all ages to relax and look out onto the Pacific Ocean."
The 13.7-acre project site is located at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Superior Avenue. The Sunset Ridge Park plans include a baseball diamond that overlaps in area with two soccer fields, a children's playground, a grass warm-up field, pedestrian paths around the perimeter of the park, view areas, a shade structure, and a restroom/storage facility.
"The City purchased the property from Caltrans in 2006 and we began planning and designing the park in 2008," explained Council Member Steve Rosansky, whose district includes the site of the future park. "We held a series of public meetings and heard what West Newport residents, parents, local youth sports coaches, and other interested citizens wanted in the park. We believe the plan balances those needs. I am very happy that the years of planning are over and our vision will become a real, much-loved park."
The construction start date is yet to be determined and construction cost estimates are subject to final design work and bidding. Coastal Development Permits generally have a two-year window to start construction.
City Manager Dave Kiff said, "This has been a long and challenging process for both the City and the Commission and we are grateful that our good project was ultimately approved. The Commission has approved two of our projects this summer - Marina Park back in June and now Sunset Ridge Park. The summer of 2012 will be one to remember for us. Two major projects before the Commission and two successes."
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