MAILBAG:Ficker’s plan for city hall is best and most responsible

I want to thank Bill Ficker for the time, effort and financial support he has dedicated to the proposed new city hall on the city-owned property above the Central Library (“Behind the Headlines: Bill Ficker,” May 12).

I agree with him that it is the best and most responsible plan for a new location, both in terms of location and fiscal responsibility.

The leadership of this city needs to be astute and flexible enough to see the obvious solution to this problem, and have the courage to say that previous plans for a park at that site need and should be reconsidered for the greater good. We do not need another passive or even active park as much as we need a new city hall that can meet the needs of our growing commercial and residential population, and set a new standard for beauty and environmental design.

MARIANNE SCOTT

Newport Beach

What about neighbors’ rights?

Contrary to the views of Jim Righeimer (Rigonomics, “Alienable rights,” May 12) entitlement and gluttony should not be the code we live by and develop by.

He suggests that as homeowners we have the right to remodel, improve, tear down the whole darn thing and build it again — only bigger — without interference or consideration of our neighbors. His idea is “to heck with the guy next door, I’m going to build it anyway — so what if the neighbor has no more sunlight, view or air to breathe.”

Having lived in this community for more than 30 years and being around when those “Brady Bunch” specials were popping up, new homeowners, at least, felt the need to consult their neighbors — out of respect. After all, doesn’t the idea of “community” refer to a group of people living “together” in a designated area? When did the term “together” lose its meaning of working with those around you for a common goal?

Although the nouveau riche have the right to build their disgustingly large McMansions, their neighbors also have the right to be respected.

Well, I guess I should expect no more from a guy who says he’s a GOP activist. Doesn’t that stand for “Greed Over People” anyway?

PAM LAWRENCE

Corona del Mar

Community benefits from golf course

I support Councilwoman Leslie Daigle’s resolution to save the Newport Beach Golf Course (“Daigle pushes council to take stance on golf course,” May 8). I am completely opposed to the destruction of the course’s back nine for airport parking. I support a new lease for the course and oppose airport parking there.

As a resident of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa for 10 years, I have witnessed several positive accommodations to prepare us for the growth of the area and airport. However, this is not one of them. To take away this golf course would have a negative effect on several communities that surround the course, and it should be maintained as is.

This golf course is important to youth golfers, not to mention us adults who can sneak in a quick 18 in the afternoon. There have to be other solutions to the parking issues that should be further investigated.

SHAWN O’NEILL

Costa Mesa

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