BREAKING NEWS

The Newport Beach City Council’s decision in February to move ahead with a park planned next to the central library wasn’t final, city officials said today.

Council members decided Monday night to reconsider the park decision because city parks commissioner Debra Allen, who participated in decisions about the design of Newport Center Park, lives within 500 feet of the park property, City Atty. Robin Clauson said.

State Fair Political Practices Commission rules say there could be a conflict of interest if an official owns property within 500 feet of a project being voted on.

“What they [council members] want to do is send it back to the [parks, beaches and recreation] commission for them to review the decision they made in regards to the design of the park, whether it’s an active park or a passive park, and those kind of things,” she said.

Reconsidering the decision on the park doesn’t necessarily put the site back on the table as a possible city hall location, an option the council has rejected three times. The issue could now come up again, however.

Allen said she believes the city’s measurement between her house and the park is wrong, and she may have a survey done to prove it.

The council will reconsider the park issue at its March 27 meeting.