Readers Respond

I am a member of the Balboa Bay Club Racquet Club, and I cannot understand why the City Council has not considered the two buildings in front of the racquet club. They're vacant, they're owned by the Irvine Co. — why couldn't they claim eminent domain for those? It's got perfect parking, they're not that old, they could be reconfigured, it would cost a lot less money, and they're centrally located. I do not understand why they don't pursue that.

JOAN SAMMIS

Newport Beach

We vehemently oppose any thought of placing a new city hall at the tennis club. The traffic in the area is already bad. We see how awful it can get when the Toshiba Classic is held at the country club. We live at Irvine Terrace across the street. The intersection is small, and there's no place for the cars to go.

It will be disastrous for our property values in Irvine Terrace if a new city hall is built there creating hundreds, if not thousands, of car trips at the intersection of Irvine Terrace and East Coast Highway every day.

MICHELE AND DAN CASTON

Corona del Mar

I am opposed to a new city hall being built on the Balboa Bay Club tennis courts for a number of reasons. One, it's right next to a residential area. Two, the in and out of the place would be almost impossible. Three, it's next to a private country club.

And when you consider that right next to the library — practically in the middle of Newport Beach — is a perfect spot for a city hall, I don't understand why we need another park when the city hall is so vital.

BILL HERRMANN

Newport Beach

City hall belongs where it is: in the real Newport Beach. Eminent domain is wrong in many cases. The tennis club should stay where it has been for the past 32 years.

DORIS HOPE

Newport Beach

I've been a resident of Newport Beach for 25 years, and I am in favor of a city hall being built by the public library, which seems like a natural place for it.

BOB JUGAN

Newport Beach

I definitely think no. The tennis club would not be a good site. I think that the city hall should be off MacArthur Boulevard.

VIRGINIA LAVAHN

Newport Beach

Building at the tennis club is the best solution to what's been a rather protracted question-and-answer session for the last couple of years. In case I wasn't clear, it's a great idea.

BURR BUMAN

Newport Beach