HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 - Creating the Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower Castaways and Aquatic Center Site Options - CorrespondenceReceived After Agenda Printed
May 13, 2025
Agenda Item No. 7
From:
William Cool
To:
City Clerk"s Office
Subject:
Aquatic Center
Date:
May 12, 2025 10:15:32 AM
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I believe the city was originally planning to make the Lower Castaways into a mini
harbor to dock additional boats. I would still like to see that happen.
Bill Cool
From:
Ronald Rubino
To:
City Clerk"s Office; Grant, Robyn
Subject:
Agenda Comment Tuesday May 13
Date:
May 12, 2025 10:36:01 AM
Attachments:
image.ona
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Hello Mayor and City Councilmembers,
This comment concerns the item on Tuesday, May 13, on the City Council agenda consent
calendar, Aquatic Center Ad Hoc committee formation.
The Tuesday action requests that the City Council form a new ad hoc committee to re-examine the Lower
Castaways property's potential uses and explore a suitable site.
The proposed Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower Castaways and Aquatic Center Site Options will
consist of seven members: three City Council Members, one Parks, Beaches, and Recreation
Commissioner, one Planning Commissioner, one Harbor Commissioner, and one citizen member.
I support the staff recommendation to form this ad hoc committee and conduct public discussions
regarding the Lower Castaways property's potential use and alternative sites for an aquatic center..
Additionally, I request that the City complete and publish a traffic study for the Castaways property for
any proposed use before spending money on design. This location at Dover and PCH is highly congested
and a high -traffic commercial or recreational development.
This site could be better used to designate a use for affordable workforce housing, which is needed to
meet the housing goals in the General Plan and Housing Element.
Rendering does not depict the current development and traffic at this location.
Rendering doesn't depict the number of homes across the street, and the existing commercial
businesses on the Miracle Mile corner and further north on Dover Drive.
Traffic at Dover and PCH is congested, and adding this facility here will exacerbate the problem.
A location with existing recreational use and parking is more suited for this use.
This location should be considered for affordable workforce housing as provided in the City's
General Plan and Housing Element.
Sincerely,
Ron Rubino
2845 Alta Vista Dr NB 92660
From: Portia Weiss
To: City Clerk"s Office; Dept - City Council
Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Lower Castaways Aquatic Center
Date: May 12, 2025 12:20:50 PM
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I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed development of a public aquatic center at the Lower
Castaways. While I appreciate the value of community recreational spaces, I believe that this location is not suitable
for such a project for several reasons and any changes to the property should be to protect it as a nature park
providing a place for visitors to explore the shores of Newport Harbor.
The area serves as a vital habitat for local wildlife and a peaceful retreat for residents to explore the waters of
Newport Bay. Developing an aquatic center there would disrupt this natural environment, contradicting conservation
efforts and diminishing the community's access to green spaces.
Additionally, the proposed site is situated at an already heavily congested intersection. The addition of a major
public facility would likely exacerbate traffic congestion, increasing commute times and contributing to safety
concerns for both drivers and pedestrians.
The limited public accessibility of this location raises questions about the practicality and inclusiveness of the
project. Many community members may find it challenging to reach the center due to the traffic bottlenecks and
lack of adequate public transportation options.
I respectfully urge the council to consider alternative locations that are better suited for this kind of development —
areas that would not compromise protected natural spaces or worsen traffic conditions.
Thank you for considering these concerns. I look forward to seeing thoughtful, community -focused decisions that
balance recreation, conservation, and accessibility.
Portia Weiss
From: dave(aearsi.com
To: City Clerk"s Office
Cc: ron.rubino(c spon-newportbeach.org
Subject: City Council 5-13 -25 Meeting, Agenda Item #7
Date: May 12, 2025 12:43:09 PM
Attachments: Proposed Aauatic Center Desian May 13 Staff ReporL.pdf
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Members of the Council,
When creating the Ad Hoc Committee on Utilization of Lower Castaways and Aquatic Site Options,
please instruct the Ad Hoc Committee to include the investigation of environmental concerns that
would be identified if a formal CEQA process were followed, as well as economic costs for all land
use recommendations for the lower Castaways property, as well as any Aquatic Center Site options.
This information is critical in determining land use feasibility and site options.
Thank you,
David Tanner
223 62nd Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
From:
Garrett, Errica
To:
City Clerk"s Office
Subject:
FW:N00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Date:
May 21, 2025 7:57:51 AM
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
-----Original Message -----
From: brian d versyp <bversyp@yahoo.com>
Sent: May 21, 2025 7:56 AM
To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject:
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DO NOT PUT A SURF POOL OR HOUSES OR ANYTHING ELSE WHERE NBGC IS NOW!!
leave this iconic landmark alone ... please
ty
brian