Cautious Backing for View Plan

City Council members cautiously lent their support to a proposal that would make this seaside city the first in Orange County to grant residents a right to a scenic view, but a formal vote was postponed until next month.

Following a debate that began Tuesday evening and pushed past midnight, weary council members decided to take more time to “fine tune” the View and Sunlight Access Preservation Ordinance, designed to help residents settle disputes over ocean panoramas blocked by trees or other shrubbery. A vote is set for June 24.

The subject of how involved the city should become in battles over views has been a sore subject in this town. View preservationists have called for a tough ordinance that would help residents whose property values have declined as their views have vanished. Tree lovers, however, have feared that an ordinance would result in a rash of tree cuttings.

About 60 speakers helped pack the council hearing room and were about equally divided on the topic.

“I don’t want tree police in my town,” resident Richard Holmes said.

When council members began discussing their own feelings, Councilman Steve Dicterow was one of the more vocal proponents. He said he fears neighborhood disputes turning violent if the city doesn’t take a stand.

Councilman Wayne J. Baglin rejected the proposed ordinance, calling it “flawed.”