Still steady and slow

Nothing ever seems to go smoothly when it comes to Newport Coast and its slow incorporation into Newport Beach.

When the city was annexing the community back in 2001, residents of the hills above the rest of Newport Beach bargained hard -- and understandably -- to receive $18 million over 15 years in tax credits and to have the city set aside $7 million more in tax money to build a community center. In 2002, the bump was a small one -- a wrangle between Newport Coast community leaders and City Hall over the interest on part of that $18 million that amounted to about $43,000 a year.

Last year, community leaders tangled with the city over parking requirements and the possibility of building a library near the center, which is to be at Newport Coast Drive and San Joaquin Hills Road.

The latest blip is a bit bigger and a bit more costly. The community center, which is still not built, is expected to exceed its $7-million budget by about $800,000. Community leaders there want the city to pick up the extra tab, arguing that they already have pitched in the $7 million from their taxes and the land. City leaders seem amenable to picking up the ballooning tab.

It’s an all-too-familiar story but also one that should be a concern for all of Newport’s residents, who have a stake in the city’s financial health. They should be asking just how high the price could go and whether there’s a ceiling on what the cost will be. (The price won’t be known for sure until bids on the contract come back. The city will likely put out those requests in a couple of weeks.)

By no means should the city back away from plans to build the center, which was such a cornerstone to Newport Coast’s annexation and will be a fine addition to the amenities and services that Newport Beach residents enjoy. But city leaders need to handle the growing cost and continuing quibbles carefully. After all, nothing so far has gone easily when it comes to Newport Coast’s annexation.