DON GREGORY -- Community Commentary

Regarding your editorial of June 17, “Library land should stay as is”: I

think, finally, that a definitive clarification needs to be made, so as

to correct misimpressions and misinformation about the center that seems

to be circulating.

That the editorial points up the nobility of the cause saves me the

problem of having to convince anybody of the project’s validity. It seems

the question the Daily Pilot has is the site.

On the surface, the question of our desired site seems reasonable. Why

should it abut the library? What about looking for other places?

The answer is that we have looked, and any other site would be

disadvantageous to the concept of this arts and education center.

First of all, the Central Library is the planned cultural center of

Newport Beach.

Second, it is vital that the arts and education center abut the library,

so there is a single entity of learning available to the public, with an

accent on our children, who need the accessibility that this location

provides.

Third, Fashion Island is the center of gravity for Newport Beach and the

upper and lower bay areas don’t suit this kind of endeavor.

Fourth, this particular area is perfect for traffic disbursement. And to

that end, the center will provide much-needed additional parking for the

library and any other usage deemed appropriate for the rest of the

acreage remaining, after our 3.5-acre portion is used. After all, there

are 12 acres there. We’re only asking for a bit more than a quarter of

it.

As to the lost views about which your editorial speaks: There won’t be

any lost, impaired, slightly impaired or damaged views. This center will

not rise above MacArthur Boulevard and will have a landscaped roof, under

which will be the parking garage mentioned above.

This isn’t about asking for everything. It’s about asking for something

that is vital to our children, in a place that makes sense for all

concerned.

There is more than 5,000 square feet of open space in our city. No one is

looking to compromise any spaces used from time to time as a habitat. No

one seeks to tamper with vernal pools. But in any open-space concept,

surely some of these things would need to be disturbed to build anything.

Culture is the heart of any city and is central to the growth of

character for its people.

Surely, there must be a way of working together. There’s enough land for

all, if a true and sincere coalition can be formed.

* DON GREGORY is the co-chairman of the ad hoc committee for the Newport

Beach Arts & Education Center.