Updated Petition Description:

We are calling on the City of Newport Beach and community leaders to protect one of our city's most sensitive and cherished spaces—the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) and its preschool—by opposing dense development on the adjacent property at 1501 E. 16th Street.

Although the City Council recently voted not to remove this parcel from the Housing Opportunity Sites Overlay, no development application has been filed yet. That means we are in a narrow but critical window of time—before formal plans are submitted—to make our concerns known, rally support, and prepare for action.

1501 E. 16th Street directly borders a nature preserve and outdoor preschool that serves 26,000 students annually. High-density, multi-story housing on this parcel would bring irreversible impacts, including:

• Construction noise, dust, and air pollution including asbestos 
• Loss of sunlight, tree canopy, and privacy for children
• Traffic and safety hazards on an already congested street
• Disruption to an outdoor learning environment uniquely focused on nature and child development

We are not opposed to housing—we are asking for responsible planning that recognizes that not all land is equal. Some places serve a higher purpose.

Help us preserve this rare and irreplaceable space by continuing to raise awareness, apply pressure, and advocate for alternatives. This is our window to act—before plans are submitted and the damage is done.