Newport Beach Golf Course won't be bulldozed
John Wayne Airport officials back off plans to turn back nine into parking lot.
BY JEFF OVERLEY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
NEWPORT BEACH – An idea to pave the back nine of the Newport Beach Golf Course for use as a rental car parking lot is officially dead, officials said today.
John Wayne Airport officials broached the concept in April, causing uproar among golfers and prompting the City Council to pass a resolution condemning the move.
Almost immediately, Supervisor John Moorlach panned the idea and thousands of golfers signed petitions in protest, making the parking lot concept seem unlikely.
Airport officials, however, refused to back down, saying as recently as two weeks ago that they were still considering the plan.
But on Thursday, airport spokeswoman Jenny Wedge said officials would try to negotiate a long-term lease with the golf course.
"It's the best welcome news I've had since Santa Claus," said golf course partner Steve Lane.
In an e-mail to supporters today, golf course starter Keith Wyrick called the news a "wonderful development that puts us on a path to extend our lease."
Moorlach said other airport-area properties, which he declined to identify, are being eyed for use as parking lots.
"It demonstrated the power of the Internet as a tool for political activism," said Councilwoman Leslie Daigle, noting that hundreds of residents sent e-mails to elected officials decrying the plan.
Contact the writer: 714-445-6683 or joverley@ocregister.com
News Archive |
