Resident files suit to stop money for city hall plans

A local activist said Monday he has requested an injunction to put a stop to any plans for a new Newport Beach city hall next to the central library.

Newport Beach resident Allan Beek said he requested the injunction last week in Orange County Superior court to “keep the city from spending any more money” while his lawsuit against City Clerk LaVonne Harkless remains unresolved.

Beek sued Harkless last year to invalidate the results of a ballot measure on the location of the next city hall.

The city has already created a committee of architects to oversee a design competition for the building. Officials said last month they expect to announce design teams in June.

The teams will create plans for a new city hall next to the central public library on Avocado Avenue, an adjoining park and a parking facility that the city hall and library will share.

— Brianna Bailey