Gardner, Daigle question Lido incentives
NEWPORT BEACH — City officials are considering financial incentives to spur Lido Village revitalization, but some council members have questioned whether Lido property owners are getting a disproportionate amount of public support.
FOR THE RECORD:
An earlier version incorrectly said that the “Goldenrod 6” would be discussed later this month. In fact, the discussion could happen in about a month.
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Nancy Gardner and Councilwoman Leslie Daigle argued that development incentives should be spread citywide.
The debate comes as officials look to fund new landscaping and other revitalization projects throughout the city.
On Tuesday, the council unanimously approved three projects, including guidelines for future Lido Village development. The most contentious question was how to implement the guidelines: Should the city, for instance, reduce permit fees, arrange low-interest loans and waive development standards to encourage revitalization?
“I don’t think you can single out one part of the community,” Daigle said.
Ultimately, the council voted to create a possible incentive plan and a budget, both of which will need to be approved by the council.
Property owners may need the incentives to adhere to the city’s new architectural guidelines when they remodel, Tim Collins, the city’s lead consultant for the village, said Wednesday.
“If there is some way to defray some of the expense, they might be motivated,” he said.
*
CdM chickens reviewed
In other business, Gardner asked city administrators to review an ordinance on keeping livestock in residential areas after a Corona del Mar resident was caught illegally keeping six hens.
Michael Resk appeared ready to make his case for keeping the animals, dubbed the “Goldenrod Six” because he lives on Goldenrod Avenue. But Gardner preempted the debate and said the matter would be back before the council in about a month.
Resk and his hens have received widespread media attention.
*
Junior guards praised
Lifeguard officials honored two members of the junior lifeguard program for their acts this past summer. Stephen “Happy” McMillen, 9, received the Junior Lifeguard of the Year Award and Alex Davis, 11, received the Heroic Act Award.
In August, Davis saved a younger boy, one of his neighbors, who was caught in rough surf while skimboarding on the Balboa Peninsula, lifeguard officials said.
Twitter: @mreicher