HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS3 - SR-55 / Newport Blvd Study - Correspondenceors fn
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Comm mewseva Beach ceooumunnay Associa¢ion
PO Boa 889 • Newport Beach, OR • 92661-0884
www.Centralm ewporCO rg
Date: January 20, 2013
To: Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council
From: Central Newport Beach Community Association (CNBCA)
Subject: January 22, 2013 Study Session, 55 Freeway /Newport Boulevard Study
Dear Mr. Mayor and Council Members
Our Association has followed the progress of the 55 Freeway /Newport Boulevard Study since its inception. Over
two years ago our members adopted a policy based on careful review of the proposed alternatives.
The Central Newport Beach Community Association opposes the extension of the Costa Mesa freeway to a
termination at Newport Boulevard and Coast Highway. During the summer months the Balboa Peninsula
becomes a State Route 55 dead -end street. Traffic from the freeway is primarily directed onto the peninsula, rather
than re- distributed onto Coast Highway. These automobiles far exceed available peninsula parking capacity. This
has been a problem for many decades and an ever - increasing problem most recently with development of the
Inland Empire.
We oppose alternatives that:
• Continue to direct most of the Southbound traffic onto Newport Boulevard (e.g., No Build Alternative), and
especially alternatives that
• Dump unimpeded traffic onto the doorstep of the Peninsula at Newport Boulevard and Industrial Way (e.g.,
Cut and Cover Alternative).
We welcome alternatives that:
Increase the efficiency of traffic flowing through Costa Mesa in both directions (e.g., Transportation
Systems Management Alternative),
Re- distribute Southbound traffic between both Superior Avenue and Newport Boulevard (e.g., Newport
Blvd. — Superior Ave. Elevated Lane Alternative) , and especially
Encourage the transition of traffic onto Coast Highway, rather than primarily the Balboa Peninsula.
The last point above is of special note. It is not clear to us if the Coast Highway transition is being included as part
of these studies. We believe any change to the termination of SR55 must include improvements to the transition of
traffic onto Coast Highway.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Central Newport Beach Community Association
Board of Directors