Mayor Sues to Block Statements Against Newport Center Expansion

Newport Beach Mayor Philip R. Maurer claimed in a lawsuit Thursday that opponents of plans to expand Newport Center made false statements in pamphlets to be mailed to voters.

Maurer asked for a court order deleting claims that expansion of the posh commercial and retail center would add to traffic congestion and cut down on open space.

City attorneys will push for an expedited decision in the Orange County Superior Court case because pamphlets containing statements for and against the expansion must be printed by Oct. 9.

The City Council approved the Irvine Co.’s building plans in July, but a group opposed to the development collected enough signatures on petitions to bring the issue before the voters on a ballot initiative. The election is scheduled for Nov. 25.

The four who wrote the ballot statement are Allan Beek, Susan B. Doering, Richard A. Nichols and Karen S. Harrington, according to the lawsuit.

Maurer’s suit stated that the Irvine Co. must pay $40 million toward road improvements, including a new road diverting traffic away from Corona del Mar, resulting in less traffic in the area.