Mailbag: Project would have negative impact on neighbors

I live in the 900 block of 19th Street in beautiful Westside Costa Mesa. I purchased my home here three years ago after living less than a mile up, off of 19th Street, for 10 years. Since purchasing the house I have worked nearly the entire time to transform it, both inside and out, to be an eco-friendly and beautiful home. I love what my home has become and have received an overwhelming response from people who drive or walk by.

I recently learned that the city is considering the possibility of widening 19th Street at my end to four lanes to connect it to the proposed (19th Street bridge).

The impact this would have on me personally is unimaginable. Since the start, I have said that I wish to live out the rest of my days in this home, my first house, and I wanted it to be my last. My wonderful neighbors, many of whom have grown up here, or have been here for a very long time, were also devastated to hear that we could all lose our homes if our street is widened.

I ask you, as our city representatives, to consider the lives that you will tear apart if you allow this project to go through. Imagine how you would feel if you lived beside us on 19th Street. Aside from us, for the neighbors nearby, many of whom do not even know that this possibility is looming, noise and heavy traffic will forever alter the quiet, safe, peaceful streets where they live and their children play.

I am just one of the good citizens of this wonderful city that this project will affect. Please consider my story.

Michelle Simpson

Costa Mesa

The writer initially sent this letter to the Costa Mesa City Council and asked that a copy be printed in the Daily Pilot.

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Worried about our investment property

My husband, Ron, and I live in the 900 block of 19th Street, and we own a condo inside Newport Terrace in Newport Beach. We purchased our home three years ago and we have one of the lushest yards, both front and back, than anyone on the street. We have poured tens of thousands of dollars into making our condo a happy place for our renters.

Unfortunately, we did not become aware of Banning Ranch, or the proposed widening of 19th Street, until earlier this year, or we would have considered buying elsewhere, perhaps in another city that wouldn't impact our two properties, as this project will. Learning that the city is considering the possibility of widening 19th Street at my end to four lanes to connect it to the proposed (19th Street bridge), this would impact both of our properties.