On Tuesday evening, Newport Beach City Council approved a ground up replacement of the Balboa Peninsula fire station and public library. The current buildings haven’t been updated since the 1960s and were described as “poor” by officials.

Currently, the Newport Beach Fire Department shares the outmoded space with the Balboa Branch of the Newport Beach Public Library. The $17+ million development, now approved to begin construction in Fall of 2025, will expand the facilities to over 9,000 square feet with an additional playground and 6 more onsite parking spots.

The fire department will move its station’s engine garage to open on Balboa Boulevard, reducing noise and traffic on Island and Bay Avenues while also helping to increase street parking by eight spots.

Most of the community input at the event came from local residents sharing their impassioned views on the destruction of a 120+ year old “landmark” blue gum eucalyptus tree. The tree has been home to many birds, including protected blue heron nests.

Invoking the Lorax, a Dr. Seuss character who defends the plight of trees, many shared their views that the tree should be protected and construction should not occur.

Council members empathized with tree lovers and shared the need to care for and appreciate the city’s trees.

“We’re a city of 35,000 trees and they all mean something to each of us,” said Councilmember Joe Stapleton

City officials presented their extensive arboreal work which concluded that this specific tree and others on the property were sick with rot, had a short life ahead and need to be removed regardless of the new construction.

Newport Beach has a history of deadly eucalyptus trees causing destruction and worse. Given removal will occur outside of nesting season, blue heron will be able to find ample nesting opportunities throughout the area.

In defense of Newport Beach’s pro-tree agenda, Mayor Will O’Neill mentioned that “over the last 20 years, our city has added 684 more trees on the Peninsula than have existed before.”

The City Council expressed their excitement for the much overdue project that will be a great benefit to residents and help Newport Beach continue to provide necessary services in light of public comment in defense of the tree.

Councilmember Brad Avery commented, “it’s sad to see a landmark tree like this that is so important to the neighborhood [removed]…such an evidence of a tight neighborhood, which is just the place we want to live.”

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The city council approved the designs and construction of the replacement buildings in a unanimous 6-0 vote. Councilmember Robyn Grant was not present for the council meeting.

The city will need to determine a temporary fire station to continue service when construction is underway.