NEWPORT BEACH A landmark ruling in Newport...

March 30, 2003 12 AM PT

NEWPORT BEACH

A landmark ruling in Newport

The Port Theatre, the Lido Theater, the Balboa Theater and the

Balboa Pavilion are now all labeled landmarks. City Council members

approved a plan to designate the status of the historic buildings to

allow their owners to add some new services without applying for new

permits.

City Hall could be in for some upgrades or maybe even full

replacement. City staff have scheduled April 11 as the day council

members will review a consultant’s ideas for what to do about the

aging and obsolete structure.

And residents have divided into two camps over how to restore

Castaways Park. Some say it should be all native plants. Others say a

little grassy park area for picnicking and Frisbee wouldn’t hurt.

City leaders hope to gather more input before moving forward with

renovations.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at