Commentary: ‘Cracker boxes’ are changing the Westside’s character

Re. “Commentary: Look at the changes — just what Costa Mesa needs,” (Oct. 21): I do believe I have just been insulted for living on the Westside and liking it.

I like the quietness. There’s not much traffic during the week and even less on weekends. I’ve never felt uncomfortable living in the area.

A great bakery is located at 19th Street and Placentia Avenue, and we have other stores. Granted a few areas could do with some sprucing up, and that is where the city should step in. It should work with the merchants to clean up, paint or do whatever is necessary.

With regard to change, I certainly don’t think these upended cracker boxes called live-work units, which loom over everything, add anything to the area other than more traffic and noise.

Do the writers, Christian and Kathleen Eric, know that in addition to the 49 units at 17th Street and Superior Avenue, the rest of 17th Street to Monrovia Avenue will have 176 units? How much more traffic will that add? And that’s just one street.

Some of us aren’t necessarily no-growth people, just controlled-growth people with concerns about how our lifestyle will be affected. The mayor and his supporters should take into consideration what people want and not foist on us their paternalistic attitude of knowing what is best for the city.

I am surprised that the Erics stayed so long on the Westside if they have been so unhappy. Personally, I like the idea of the tomato fields.

DOLORES MINERICH lives in Costa Mesa.