Newport May Sue Over 19th Street Bridge

The Newport Beach City Council met Tuesday night, and here are the highlights:

• The City Council voted on two items related to the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) recent decision to remove the 19th Street Bridge from the countywide Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The council voted unanimously to authorize the City Manager to negotiate with the OCTA and, if negotiations are successful, enter into an agreement to toll the statute of limitations for the filing of a lawsuit against the OCTA related to the decison to eliminate the 19th Street Bridge from the master plan. Although the city hopes to resolve the dispute without legal action, the council also voted to authorize the City Attorney's Office to file a lawsuit against the OCTA before the statute of limitations runs out. Mayor Pro Tem Curry and Councilwoman Leslie Daigle voted in opposition of legal action.

• City spokeswoman Tara Finnigan says the city feels the bridge, a proposed connector between Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach, should be included in the master plan and eventually built to help alleviate traffic on Pacific Coast Highway and Newport Boulevard. Mayor Nancy Gardner says Tuesday night's votes will help protect residents. “Having been essentially left out of the decision-making process, the city found itself in the undesirable position of having to consider litigation against OCTA,"  Gardner said. "We are seeking a fair solution for Newport Beach, not a legal fight, and I believe the tolling agreement with OCTA may allow us to work together on potential options and mitigation measures to potentially avoid that fight.”

• Gardner proclaimed April 2012 as Fair Housing Month in Newport Beach. Maria Benitez, coordinator of the Fair Housing Foundation, said the organization works for protect and educate both property owners and residents equal opportunity of housing for all residents. Benitez said a Landlord Rights Workshop will be held tomorrow, April 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. at City Hall. A Management Training will be held on May 16 and a Tenant Rights Workshop on June 4.

• April 8 - April 14 was designated at National Library Week in Newport Beach. Gardner said all members of the City Council will be participating in the event by reading to children on different days. "Encourage residents to take advantage of the wonderful library resources available in our community," Gardner said. "This one of my fun times of the year when I get to do this."

•  Eddie Marquez, spokesman for Southern California Edison, thanked the city for its participation in the Orange County Cities Energy Partnership which was designed to hep local government lead their communities to increase energy efficiency,reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect air quality. Marquez presented a plaque to the city for being an energy leader and a $7,917 rebate check. "You replaced 155 high energy use street light fixtures with energy efficient units that will save you $3,500 a year," he explained. "As you continue with the energy partnership you will be getting more money back in the form in rebates and incentives."

• Residents were reminded about the Corona del Mar Annual Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Sherman Library and Gardens. A community expo will be held and Mayor Nancy Gardner will speak to attendees.