Mailbag: Measure Y would decrease dependency on cars

I am perplexed by the argument against Measure Y.

Opponents who are alleging increased traffic are trying to incite spirited, negative public reactions without understanding the underlying documents, namely the independently prepared environmental impact report and traffic analysis.

Compared to the adopted 2006 general Plan for Newport Beach, the land-use amendment (Measure Y) indicates traffic would be reduced by more than 2,900 trips per day, not increased, in part because of fewer entitled properties and less proposed development than is currently allowed.

The EIR also concluded that key environmental elements, such as air and water quality, fire safety, schools, parks and utilities, would not be compromised.

The master planners for our city envisioned that development would be located mainly around Newport Center, and so streets such as MacArthur Boulevard, Jamboree Road and San Joaquin Hills Road were designed and built more than 30 years ago with six lanes in anticipation of this future growth.

In cities throughout the U.S., master plans are being prepared based on the concept of “new urbanism” to reduce our dependency on automobiles. Additional housing and jobs around Newport Center would create a sustainable community by encouraging residents to walk or bicycle to work, to shop and to seek entertainment.

In addition, any new major development projects would also require a development agreement with the city ensuring a public benefit for the community. The fiscal analysis indicates these developments would provide upward to $50 million in fees and community improvements.

Peter Koetting

Newport Beach

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‘Yes on Y’ campaign is hard to buy

Measure Y has received a lot of attention in the Daily Pilot, and campaign junk has been filling my mailbox the last few weeks.

What’s interesting is that in my neighborhood, just about every frontyard sign is a “No on Y” sign. I can’t recall seeing any supporting a yes vote. It seems that letters to The Pilot also reflect the same pattern, unless they are written by City Council members or developers.

I agree with others who say the ads and letters seem deceptive. Listen to the people, and vote no on Measure Y.

Terry Johnston

Newport Shores