HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 - Conversion Plan for El MorroCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 1 2
December 9, 2003
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: City Manager's Office
Dave Kiff, Assistant City Manager
949/644 -3002 or dkiff @city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: Resolution 2003 - _ Supporting the California Department of Parks
and Recreation's Conversion Plan for El Morro
ISSUE:
Should the City of Newport Beach support State Parks' plan to convert an existing
mobile home park to visitor - serving uses?
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution 2003 -_ supporting the California Department of Parks and
Recreation's preferred plan for the conversion of the El Morro area within Crystal Cove
State Park.
DISCUSSION:
Background: When the City annexed the Newport Coast in January 2002, it added
most of the oceanward section of Crystal Cove State Park (CCSP) to our city limits.
CCSP also includes land outside the city limits, but close enough to be used frequently
by our residents and visitors.
Crystal Cove State Park is administered by the California Department of Parks and
Recreation (DPR). It has 3.5 miles of beach and 2,000 acres of undeveloped woodland,
which is popular for hiking and horseback riding. The offshore waters are designated as
an underwater park. Crystal Cove is used by mountain bikers inland and scuba and skin
divers underwater. The beach is popular with swimmers and surfers. Visitors can
explore tidepools and sandy coves. State Park Rangers conduct nature hikes in the
winter.
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Resolution Supporting El Morro Conversion to Public Use
December 9, 2003
Page 3
DPR plans to end current leases with the owners of 294 trailers on December 31, 2004
and to immediately commence a conversion plan to public use. The Conversion Plan
provides for environmental restoration of El Morro Canyon and Creek, day use parking,
picnicking and beach access, and a 60 -unit campground. DPR claims that this Plan is
consistent with the 1982 General Plan that was arrived at with a broad -based and
thorough public process. The $12.9 million Plan is fully funded for implementation in
January 2005 via Proposition 12.
Conversion Plan
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CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK, EL MORRO OON V ERR
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The Plan is controversial with the current tenants at El Morro Village. They have raised
money and hired advocates to propose an alternative to the DPR Plan that would keep
the trailers in place. Proponents of the alternative plan say their plan will raise $1 million
in extra revenue from increased fees for the leases and add to the region's supply of
affordable housing.
.J
Resolution Supporting El Morro Conversion to Public Use
December 9, 2003
Page 4
The Plan is supported by local environmental advocates, including:
• the Friends of the Irvine Coast (who sent a letter to the City Council asking the
Council to support the Conversion Plan — see Attachment B)
• Surfrider's Newport Beach Chapter
• Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON)
• Orange County CoastKeeper
Update Since October 2003. At the Council's October 28th Study Session, I stated my
understanding that the El Morro portion of Crystal Cove State Park was within the
sphere of influence (SOI) of Laguna Beach. According to the Orange County Local
Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and the City of Laguna Beach, this is not true.
El Morro is not within any City's sphere of influence (see Attachment C).
I also stated that the City of Laguna Beach had not taken a formal position on the
Conversion Plan. Laguna Beach City Manager Ken Frank then faxed me the attached
letter (see Attachment D) that is Laguna Beach's only official statement on the
Conversion Plan — in the letter, the Laguna Beach Mayor notes that the City Council (in
June 2002) voted to "support the overall concept of utilizing (El Morro Mobile Home
Park) as a recreation amenity as proposed (by DPR).
Committee Action: None.
Environmental Review: N/A
Public Notice: This agenda item may be noticed according to the Ralph M. Brown Act
(72 hours in advance of the public meeting at which the City Council considers the
item).
Submitted by:
Dav Kiff
Assistant City Manager
Attachments: Resolution 2003 -
Friends of the Newport Coast Letter
Sphere of Influence Line — Laguna Beach
Letter of June 2002 from City of Laguna Beach to DPR
l.�
Resolution Supporting El Morro Conversion to Public Use
December 9, 2003
Page 5
Attachment A
RESOLUTION 2003-
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE PLAN
BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
TO CONVERT THE EL MORRO MOBILE HOME PARK
TO PUBLIC USE
WHEREAS, Newport Beach is a community that supports and promotes visitor -
serving access to California's recreational waters and beaches; and
WHEREAS, Newport Beach is a community blessed with significant coastal and
marine resources, including Newport Harbor and ocean beaches like the Balboa
Peninsula, Corona Del Mar, and Crystal Cove; and
WHEREAS, Crystal Cove State Park is one of Orange County's most popular state
park destinations, with 3.5 miles of accessible beaches and 2,000 acres of accessible
wilderness areas; and
WHEREAS, about one -third of Crystal Cove State Park is within the city limits of
Newport Beach, making it a popular destination for Newport Beach residents; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, as stewards of
Crystal Cove State Park, have proposed a conversion plan for an existing 294 -coach
mobile home park called "El Morro Village" within the boundaries of Crystal Cove State
Park; and
WHEREAS, the conversion plan would remove the mobile homes as of December
31, 2004 and begin development of a wetlands and habitat restoration plan, expanded
parking areas, additional trails, open and accessible beachfront, and short-term public
camping; and
WHEREAS, the conversion plan envisions a combination of tent camping
opportunities and recreational vehicle (RV) camping; and
WHEREAS, tent camping at Crystal Cove dates back to the early and mid 1900s
when the Irvine family and its guests used the beach portion of the Irvine Ranch for
recreation; now, therefore be it
J
Resolution Supporting El Morro Conversion to Public Use
December 9, 2003
Page 6
RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Newport Beach that it hereby
supports the Department's conversion plan for El Morro Village and that it hereby
encourages the Department to emphasize the tent - camping opportunities over
recreational vehicle camping locations in order to attempt to recreate the historic,
unique and rustic beach camping that occurred at Crystal Cove in the early and mid
1900s.
ADOPTED this 9tn day of December, 2003.
Mayor of Newport Beach
ATTEST:
LAVONNE HARKLESS
City Clerk
=RIENDS OF THE NEWPORT COAST
POST OFFICE BOX 671
CORONA DEL MAR
CALIFORNIA 92625
Steve Bromberg, Mayor
City of Newport Beach
3300 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, California 92663
June 10, 2003
Attachment B
•03 JSA 19 p9 :02
Subject: Request Support from the City of Newport Beach for the State
Morro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park
Dear Honorable Mayor Bromberg:
Date V11-0
Copies Sent To:
INO Mayor
Council Member
Manager
❑ kftornei
Plans lor EL>r,`�.�
El
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The Friends of the Newport Coast (formerly called Irvine Coast) have been working
with the California Department of Parks and Recreation to develop plans for the
conversion of the existing El Morro Trailer Park. to a day -use beach facility and
oyernight.carnping..As you.,may be aware, for over 26 years the Friends have been
Successful. at preserving open, space and wildlife. habitat, on, over, 77% of :the..9,500.
acres of Newport- .Coast lands. We have been an active.participant , in, the public
workshops and hearings.for.the planning of development.of.the Newport Coast and
future uses in Crystal. Cove State Park. We'are..supportive of.the. conversion of El
Morro Trailer, Park.for public beach use and affordable overnight facilities.and want to
see this project implemented as soon as the leases expire at the end of 2004.
The EI Morro tenants assert that leaving the State Park is a "Bad Idea" and are now
proposing an alternative. plan to allow them to stay on public land as tenants for
another 30 years. The tenants propose that instead of the campground there be a
vacation hostel built elsewhere in the park. They also propose a plan whereby they
immediately provide the City of Laguna Beach, at no cost, 50 affordable residences
for their local workforce — and, in 30 years, 272 affordable residences, the entire
housing stock on public park land, inland of Coast Highway.
Why should Laguna Beach be allowed to use public lands to meet their obligations for
affordable housing? Perhaps Newport Beach is also entitled to use another portion of
Crystal Cove State Park..for their low -cost housing since it is directly adjacent to the
park. I point this out only :to.emphasize what an inappropriate use.this.would.be. The
private use of.partdands:purcNawA by..State Park funds, sets a dangerous pFecederit
for:.ottier types'of•activities „and uses:that.defeats the purpose of the .p.ark, system . and
degrades the quality ofJifein the area. l:am sure that.you,will agree the state parkland
should be open for public use and not just for the, few privileged tenants._... .
Request for Support of El Morro Conversion to Campground Page 2
June 9, 2003
The way in which Crystal Cove State Park is developed and managed can directly
affect the City of Newport Beach and its residents. We are looking for your support of
the State plans for the conversion of El Morro to a campground and beach use facility
and opposition to the tenant's alternative plan. Please adopt a resolution to that
effect.
Thank you for taking your time to consider this Important project located at the
southern gateway to Newport Beach. We hope that your seriously consider our
request and conclude that over 20 years of planning for the conversion of EI.Morro
should be supported.
Sincerely,
x/1/1 Fl4�, 49)p
Fern Pirkle, President
Friends of the Newport Coast
FP:sjp /Friend0tr to NB re El Morro
.z
10 -29 -03 11:51 From-Oranan County LAFCO 7149342643
Attachment C '
Sphere of Influence
LAGUNA BEACH City Boundary ''
UNTY OF ORANGE
Local Agency Formation Commission
\ SPHERE OF
OCT -29 -2003 12:16
INFLUENCE
7148342643
A
NORTH
Scale: 1 "= 60000'
98%, P.03 I
a
11/03/03 17:20 FAX 949 497 0771 CITY OF I.AGUNA BEACH CA IM 002
U S
C •�
June 19, 2002
Tuna Robinson
California Dept. of Parks & Recreation
8885 Rio San Diego Dr., Suite 270
San Diego, CA 92108
Dear Ms. Robinson:
Attachment D
At its meeting of June 18 the Laguna Beach City Council considered the Environmental Impact
Report for the conversion of the existing El Morro Mobile Home Park to a recreational vehicle
park/campground. The City Council voted to support the overall concept of utilizing that area as
a recreation amenity as proposed in the preferred project in the EIR. However, the Council
believes that several changes to the plan and additional conditions should be imposed to reduce
the impact of the park facilities on El Morro School, on the Laguna Beach community and on the
park itself:
1. Set a ratio so that three- quarters of the area is dedicated to tent sites. This will afford an
opportunity for moderate - income individuals who cannot afford an RV to stay at the park
and recreate the historic beach experience of camping in a rustic setting.
2. Situate the RV sites in the rear of the overnight use area so that they do no dominate the
camp area and do not denigrate the outdoor experience for those who want to camp in the
State Park.
3. Install a substantial landscape barrier that does not block views between the El Morro
School and the property to ensure that the individuals utilizing the transient camp site and
recreational vehicle sites are separated from the school children.
4. Install sound barriers so that noise from generators or vehicles does not spill into the El
Morro School campus.
5. Prohibit the use of barbeques with starter fluid because of pollution generated and the
potential of allergic reactions in children.
6. Remove the pedestrian activated traffic signal at Coast Highway; this would be a serious
hazard for motoring traffic and pedestrians given the accident history at this portion of
State highway. The department needs to consider other alternatives for getting people
between the campground and the beach.
505 FOREST AVE. • LAGUNA BEACH. CA 92951 • TEL (949) 497-3311 • FAX (949) 497 -0771
® RECYCLED PAPER
NOV -03 -2003 17:35 949 497 0771 96i P.02 10
11/03/03 17:20 FAX 949 497 0771
OF LAGUNA BEACH CA
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the EIR
rincerely
Q✓ayne aglin
Mayor
CC: City Council
NOU -03 -2003 1735
949 497 0771 96/
Z003
P.03
AEBENFORE �'-SSOC:ATES 2Et,�7_-kD P,IONE NO
949 856 9009 Dec. C9 2002 Oa:OSP'" P:
"RECEIVED 1 Ff R AGEND
PRINTED:"
December 8, 2003
City Of Newport Beach
3300 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, California 92663
RE, &genda Ttem 12• SulpQort for El. Morro Conversion Plan
Honorable Mayor Bromberg and Councilmembers;
The Laguna Greenbelt, Inc., is a grassroots organization that
promotes the preservation and acquisition of Orange County open
space for the benefit of the public since 1967.
In the early 1970's we were part of the coalition organized by Cie
then - Friends of the Irvine Coast that promoted, first, federal
purchase of coastal land for an Orange Coast National Park; and
later on, the purchase of land from The Irvine Company to create
Crystal Cove State Park.
We strongly support the California Department of Parks and
Recreation `F�1 Morro Village Conversion and Environmental
Rehabilitation' plan, which will result in full public access for
day use of both E1 .Morro beach and canyon, and a public
camngrour.d.
This issue has been a top priority for Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. for
the last several years. Al-hough public access is not perceived as
a traditional environmental issue, it is an issue for us due to
the shortage of land open for public recreation in Orange County,
especially along the coast.
With the Friends of Newport Coast, we spearheaded a coalition of
IS statewide coastal access, environmental, and state parks
support groups and individuals to ensure full public access to
Crystal Cove State Park and the provision of overnight
accommodations, including campgrounds. For more information on
the conversion, including links to related websites, we invite you
to visit our informational website, www.yourbeach.orq.
Crystal Cove State Park was acquired in 1979 with state open space
bond funds; at $32.5 million, the most expensive purchase in the
FROM ABBENPORD ASS-CiATES i.BENFCRD PHGNE NC. 945 856 9006 Dec. 9 2 003 05: 9AM P
history of the state parks system. That year, residents of the E1
Morro trailer park were given 20 year, `final' '_eases.
However, in 1998, tha leases were quietly extended for five more
,years, to 2004, without any public review, and, consequently, with
no concessions towards better public access. Even the trailers on
E1 Morro beach were allowed to stay.
The site of the trailer park is unique: the only place in the park
offering access to both beach and canyon. Furthermore, because of
the at -grade beach access from the day use parking lot, we expect
it to quickly become the favored access point for families.
Even with no further lease extension, it will be more than a
quarter of a century from initial purchase until there are
significant overnight opportunities for the public in C,ystal Cove
State Park. This beautiful wilderness park belongs to all
Californians, who have already waited too long to fully enjoy
their park!
We urge you to adopt the draft Resolution supporting the
California Department of Parks' conversion plan for El Morro
Villace.
We woald be happy to answer any questions about this letter or our
position on this issue. we can be reached at lgreenbelt @aol.org,
or 949- 494 -8190. For more information on Laguna Greenbelt, Inc.,
please visit our website www.lagunagreenbelt.org.
Thank you for your interest in this issue, and your consideration
of these remarks.
Sincerely,
Elisabeth M. Brown, Ph.D
President, Laguna Greenbelt, Inc.
P O Box 860 Laguna Beach CA 92652 949-494-8190 www,laqunagreenbeit.org
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S5NATOR
RrlS4 I()HNSr1N
THIRTY-FIFTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT
)rnia Departruent of Parks and Recreation
Box 942896
mento, CA 94296
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I am writing concHmine the planned El Morro Vlliaite con vursiou at Ci ystal Cove State Park. It
is my understanding that there is discussion about plaCeutout of a campground directly adjacent
to El Morro EIementary School. I Itdve it high dogree of concern about planning a transient RV
Park In ails partluulai location, right next to dtu suhuui.
While it is ctrtdiuly not the case that every transient use of property loads to an increase in the
instances of criminal activity, South Orange County remains one of the safest communities in
American because of proactive planning and the mitigation of problems before they occur.
Dwausu of my serious conceroo about a transiont use adjauunt to Hl Morro Elementary Cchool,
I encourage you to explore other options.
Pmrumably the objective of a planned campground is to haver an attbtrinhin Vis".. for People to
vacation within Crystal Cove State Park. Saner.. Ihn art's that is haing looked at currently for this
RV park, in tbtt inlnnd Portion of 141 Morro village. is less than one percent of the total park, I
encourage a review of the planning pmenvt m ser if anther, more suitable location could be
determined. In addition, it is my nndeerxtanding that four local Parenrlreaeher Organizations
hieh expressed their formal objections about this planned R bark.
Thank you for your consideration of my cuncerns as the DepaxUueit moves forward with the
development of Crystal Cuve State Park.
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0o nun 042HO
snoaAMOrra CA 942440079
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M21Vy GLENN 01M SURa 120
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Apra 9. 2003
Asummbig
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PATRICIA C. BATES
AaaaMOIYMEMBI , 8%YUrvTH9w "92MBLr 01VTAICr
Ruth Coloman, Aoting Director
California Department of Parka and Recreation
P.O. Box 942996
Sacramento, CA 94296
I)rar Ma, t' :nleman:
COMMIttt!!a:
vice -omn. ArmornumcNc
JuWC AWr
J01W LAWRLATIV69UOGiT
As the Aasemblywumau whu prior to the. last redistricting represented a portion of
Laguuu Bcacly I wru WAUUg w diaa:uss Crystal Cove (hate Tanis My graeral support for
current development plans there, capoeially tho r000ntly adopted historio district, is
qualified by my grave concoma regarding oopeota of the planned El Morro Village
convorsion.
There seems to be popular support for develoring C ryetnl t,'nve St ate Yank consistent
with-the broad policy goals of historic rrrxrrvadnn re>sn11r!>c cgppeFvaaoq improved
water gnahly, and pnhlicacce vs, i peraonally support thpse.:goals. At,lhe same rime, there
are questions regarding plans for anew revetment off El Morro Beat h, aua wusidwable
opposition to plains for as RV /Uwwiaul uumvluuulul uoat tp 131 Morro Momentary School.
The eampiuound next to the school is my partiuulat concern. Thin cuucern evidently is
shared by many others, including the Laguna Dash school community. I am aware, for
examplo, that four local PTAs have adopted resolutions opposing a oamp noxt door to El
Morro 131ramunwry Svlurol.
My own concern is in part reflective of my louptanding involvement in the realm of
child safety issues_ Based on ray years of involvement, I have grave concerns regarding
the placement of a transient campground next to an elementary school-The Department's
own public safety report, dated Antmat 2001, would *Para to rninfnme my cnncamr- It
shows a 49% inn rme. in crime, fmm 1997 to 2010, in what the Parks Departmeni calls its
Orange Coast district_
Presuming the underlying objective of the planned RV camp is to have affordable
vacarioning within Crystal Cove State Park and considering the area involve) — the
inland portion of El Morro Village — is leas than one percent of the tutal park, why uut
relucate the camp elsewhere? I wuuld apprcuiale yule rmpunile to lhiv wquostiou. d also
would :apprvciato your reaction to additional,isspea Brought to myattontioo by residents.
Thin 4wlule propusals to Lava uuly Ieuta.=4 uu RVs iu aqy campRrowrd-that ultimately
is devalupnl wia,in thin, pa,k, or to ]lave no campgsiruml at all but instead develop somo
of vacation hostel. lritutlly, I world VVreciate your rcdudua to concerns raised about
need to keep the existing revetment and to add a now one, which I undctytaud way be
ded to protect a new l,teguard tower acid public restroom.
You in arivanrn Mr your tilne and attention to this Matter,
to; 109-1
PATRICIA BATES
A tamblywoman 71"d nisi in
cc: Mary Nichols, Secretary of Resources
1`
SHERIFF- CORONI6R DM:PAlCrME14T
COUNTY Off 61RANt;N
CALIFORNIA
o! rtCt QI �Htrto-r -c urcunt rc
VA N. rLOWM MCET
'-I'. UOA 44S
iiWA4 CA &M2-M9
." (7141 6474999
June 10, 2003
Ma. Ruth Coleman, Acting Director
California Department of Parlry and Rerreatinn
P.O. Boa 947.K46
Sacramento, CA 947.96
Dear Ms. Coleman:
MICHAEL S. CARONA
SHERIFF-CORONER
AOOIOTANT OHCNFFS
X"N FULLER
DON NAIOL
LOHN HEWITT
OFnRraF N .M"ULLO
TIM SINON
DOUG OTOAM
As the ShailTorOrange County, l have a fitradamental concern £or the quality of fire of .
Litt Lesidenta of this beautiful county.
Recently, I have lcarnod of development plane for Crystal Cove State Park, based on the
twen"nc year -old Crystal Cove General Plan. Currently, such plena include an RV
camp next to El Morro Mementary School While T wholeheartedly support the goals of
histono preservation, resource conservadon, lmprovad water quality, and public access. I
also understand that any development must respond to community needs. quality of life
issues, and ovend) public safety concerns.
Presumably, the objective of a planned u uwWound Is to provide an aIIb:dablc platy for
people to vacation within Ctyalal Cove State Park. Ttowevey given the proximity of the
planned ramp. 1 would anoouratte a review of the planning process to we if another, more
suitable Iuaaalion could be determined. As the eras for this RV park, in the inland portion
..' of BI Morro Villages, is leas than one percent of the total park, I am confident man other
locations could moat the needs of the =V as well as the community.
m.r.
In light of resident opposition to the current State Park plans for C:ryatal C:nve, T urge You
to reconsider current development plans. Ultimately, the . R
apport of Crystal Cove and the
continuing offtis of conservation and prewvarlrm will be better saved by Iisteudutt u,
the comamunity.
Thank you in advance for your time and aua idun to Lhis matter.
e
Michael S. Caroye�
e•
PROUDLY SFNYINO 11ae UM j#L%"VP~T= AREAa OP ORANea COVNTY AND rjW ro"O/QNe anGS AND AGBJaS&
'AUso v*jo • nANA PrmT • LAGUNA HILLS • LAGUNA NIOUEL • LAGUNA WOWa • VUW FOREST • MMICN vaeao
RANG 10 SANTA MNnGAaITA • SAN CLSL6 r'A
NTa • RAN JUAN PLRTRANO • STANTON • N1LLA PARK
HANUU", atAQP= f PPJM • JOHN WAYNE AUIPOR7 • =A • aUV%Fk N GOURT
DRnG E
16
E
(i�li�nrxrin
iOHN CAMPBELL
AaaineLYMIRA VA. W4 METH oisrwer
Alm�
June 19, 2003
Ms. Rudy Coleman, Acting Director
Califomia Department of Parks and Kecreallon
P.O. Box 942996
SarremA 94296
Dt w M amsn:
QO."WrTN/
1416q CKAFWAW
FU NVW
Wes:
wsuArr<a
UMMQAND Hm
As a native of Southem Califbtnia, I have Wcd most of my adult life in (hsnge Qouttty.
' fbe resomas that we have at our disposal on a daily basis hsa never ceased to bwpirc
me. Huwcror, l bay* soxo* ooaoeme about ■ plonneA KI Morro conVertdiou at Crystal
Cove Stats Park
I imdastand [Core has teat soon: dimumon about the potential ptacetrmmt of a
estapgramid directly adjaccm to El Morro Elementary School. An increase in ta;nnival
activity is not a000ssuely an inevitable rMult of UM use of t anaimt ptuperty. However,
South Orange Co" has the envhable mpa"m of boing ono of the urfoe% communihea
in the country due In W aaoall par► to its proactive stsnoo on ariw. Because of my
serious concom about the tramicat use adjacent to El Morro Elementary SCboo), I
encourage you to explore other options.
It is my belief that the potentlal RV Palk while boiug an affordable plaoo for roddena
: and vocadooas alliro, would use only a very small portion is the inland arch of El Morro
Vi)lago. There is limitod coastal socaa in Orange Cntmdy. KV traffic is not conducive to
tins woe Bvoe its sorrow sonde and ibe anticipated summer n atBt:. With the many
objections to [tile IwMeet from local PontlTeacha' organizations, I fool it would be
pnulent to yeviaw Ibis plamrium process to detcruaiae if these is a mom suitable lnration
for UrC RV Park.
Thank you for your consideration of my concerns as the developmottt of Crystal Covo
State Part moves reswsrd.
1
P 1 0 M AWFdW PWW
RESOLUTION 2003 -65
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A PLAN
BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
TO CONVERT THE EL MORRO MOBILE HOME PARK
TO PUBLIC RECREATIONAL USE
WHEREAS, Newport Beach is a community that supports and promotes visitor -
serving access to California's recreational waters and beaches; and
WHEREAS, Newport Beach is a community blessed with significant coastal and
marine resources, including Newport Harbor and ocean beaches like the Balboa
Peninsula, Corona Del Mar, and Crystal Cove; and
WHEREAS, Crystal Cove State Park is one of Orange County's most popular state
park destinations, with 3.5 miles of accessible beaches and 2,000 acres of accessible
wilderness areas; and
WHEREAS, about one -third of Crystal Cove State Park is within the city limits of
Newport Beach, making it a popular destination for Newport Beach residents; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, as stewards of
Crystal Cove State Park, have proposed a conversion plan for an existing 294 -coach
mobile home park called "El Morro Village" within the boundaries of Crystal Cove State
Park; and
WHEREAS, the conversion plan would remove the mobile homes as of December
31, 2004 and begin development of a wetlands and habitat restoration plan, expanded
parking areas, additional trails, open and accessible beachfront, and short -term public
camping.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Newport
Beach that it hereby supports an appropriate plan by the California Department of Parks
and Recreation to convert the El Morro Mobile Home Park to public recreational use.
ADOPTED this 91h day of December, 2003.
ATTEST:
/2
Mayor
t
NE
City Clerk �a
Jw
�RNIA
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF ORANGE } ss.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH }
I, LaVonne M. Harkless, City Clerk of the City of Newport Beach, California, do
hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council is seven; that the foregoing
resolution, being Resolution No. 2003 -65 was duly and regularly introduced before and adopted by
the City Council of said City at a regular meeting of said Council, duly and regularly held on the 9th
day of December, 2003, and that the same was so passed and adopted by the following vote, to wit:
Ayes: Heffernan, Rosansky, Adams, Bromberg, Webb, Nichols, Mayor Ridgeway
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the
official seal of said City this 10th day of December, 2003.
(Seal)
City Clerk
Newport Beach, California