Spindrift April 27, 2023

SPEAKER

Our Program Czar, Mitch Mitchell, introduced today’s speaker. Nancy Gardner, a former Mayor and City Council member of the City of Newport Beach, who is currently the Chair of the General Plan Update Steering Committee for the City. She was accompanied by Jim Campbell, who is the N.B. Deputy Director of Community Development. Nancy presented the vision of the City’s Planning Commission (NBPC) as a beautiful residential community with a high quality of life, and with checks and balances among businesses, residents, and visitors. The Commission emphasizes a vibrant business community but not at the expense of its residents. NBPC has identified 10 elements, all of which have equal importance with respect to planning: (1) Land Use and Development; (2) Housing; (3) Natural Resources; (4) Harbor and Bay; (5) Safety; (6) Circulation; (7) Arts and Cultural; (8) Recreational Facilities; (9) Historical Resources; and (10) Noise (Airport). Most of Nancy’s discussion focused on the housing issues in the State of California.

Jim Campbell

Nancy discussed the State mandate for Newport Beach to outline a plan for the construction of affordable housing. The State is requiring that the City allocate 4,845 housing units which will accommodate “low income” families in N.B., ranging from $75,900 for a single-person family to $108,400 for a 4-person household. It was and has been the duty of the Planning Commission to develop the plan for housing which is acceptable to the State but its implementation would be the responsibility of private land developers who would bid on the projects. If market conditions are such that developers show no interest in taking on a project, the City will be bearing no responsibility as long as they have not created any impediments (for example, difficulties in getting permits, zoning problems, etc.) for the land development. The City has mapped out 5 potential sites for low- income housing development: West Newport-Mesa, Dover/ Westcliff, Newport Center, Coyote Canyon, and the Airport Area. The objective would be to create housing for lower-income individuals and families who work in Newport Beach, but who cannot afford to live here. “Work Force Tenants”, consisting of service workers, construction workers, professionals, caregivers, young people, and seniors would need not only housing, but also the option of walking to work instead of driving a car; with grocery stores and other business amenities nearby; and with schools and recreational facilities, such as parks, common areas and playgrounds. NBPC’s visionary plan is subject to discussion and debate; Nancy is asking for new or different ideas to make it work. The NBPC has meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm at the Civic Center. The Commission is in the process of hiring consultants who would have a broad range of responsibilities and outreach capabilities.

Jim & Ken

Nancy is asking for any constructive ideas or input that you as residents may have to support these programs and to generate ideas which would be improvements to what they currently have. You can contact Nancy at ngardner@newportbeachca.gov and Jim at jcampbell@newportbeachca.gov.