Act V workshop far better than expected
This is a follow-up to my letter last week, "Workshop not what it
was meant to be," (Jan. 14 Coastline Pilot) in which I explained my
disappointment that the workshop on the "Corporation Yard and Public
Parking Project" scheduled for Jan. 15 didn't appear to be what I and
others envisioned.
The meeting took place Saturday. Facilitator Delia Horwitz made it
very clear that the discussion would focus on positive solutions that
would result in compromise on the points listed and if anyone got off
track, she would interrupt and reel them back in.
I have to admit, that by the end of the day, the word workshop
took on a whole new meaning. It was obvious this was not your
traditional informal type workshop. It turned out to be much, much
better and far more informative than I thought it would be.
Councilman Steve Dicterow mentioned that he felt the day's
activities had been a success and suggested that this type workshop
meeting might be used for other projects of community interest. I
would say go for it. This could be a new and refreshing approach that
could help bring all segments of the community together on a variety
of projects.
A big thank you goes to our City Council, especially Mayor
Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider, Councilwoman Toni Iseman and Horwitz,
who did their homework and provided facts that made intelligent
discussion possible resulting in an extremely interesting and
informative day.
I agree with Pearson's e-mail, which summed up the workshop, that
this is very exciting as it gives me hope that maybe there is still
the possibility that the Village Entrance will become a reality in my
lifetime.
CAROLYN WOOD
Laguna Beach
City did its job in Montage negotiations
Over the last few years, a great deal has been written about the
Montage Resort, both positive and negative. The question has been
asked, "Did the city do its job?" Let's look at the facts.
The city of Laguna Beach has a world-class resort that everyone I
know enjoys. Many regard it as the best new resort in America. Its
success is of considerable benefit to our city.
Current projections are that Montage will bring the city nearly $4
million in discretionary revenue per year (in current dollars). Right
now, more than $500,000 goes straight to the general fund from sales
and property taxes. This is over and above the monies that come in
from bed tax. And the park and public parking structure -- funded by
visitor-paid bed taxes -- will have been paid off in three and a half
years.
