Irvine: The “City of the Beige” has “the Green”
“The City received 0.8 percent less revenue than expected in the last fiscal year, but it still was in a good position.”
—Sean Joyce, City Manager of the City of Irvine
Highly acclaimed schools, well-maintained infrastructure, a high level of public safety, numerous parks, and a committed city staff that is responsive to its citizens. These are some of the amenities that Irvine residents enjoy. Yes, Irvine is “beige,” but Irvine has all these amenities and one more…money. Irvine ended its fiscal year of 2007 with a surplus of $12.9 million.
This “City of the Beige” has a history of fiscal responsibility. Yet Irvine doesn’t maintain this fiscally secure position by skimping on services and amenities for its residents. The above listed amenities as well as the way in which Irvine distributed some of this “surplus green” shows this.
Of this surplus, $2 million was used to pay loan and audit costs; $1 million was used to pay for unfinished and open purchase orders; $500,000 was allocated for guidance counseling, nutrition programs and nursing in Irvine schools.
This left the City with a $9.3 million surplus. The City Council allocated some of these funds for future uses such as improvements to the City’s emergency operations services, an update to the system that holds the City’s public safety records, an upgrade to traffic lights so that emergency vehicles have the right of way, a library task force, and bike trails. The Council also allocated money for upkeep of one of Irvine’s main claims to fame (which some would say is part of the City’s beigeness)—its well-maintained infrastructure and landscaping.
Here are some new listings for this “City of the Beige” …and “Green.”
Asking price: $299,000/ $471 per square foot
2363 Watermarke Place, Irvine 92612
What: 2004 condo, 1 bed/1 bath, 635 sf
Neighborhood: Irvine Business Complex (IBC)
Amenities: claim of a view
Last sold: 11/15/2007 for $352,036
Asking price: $1,299,000/ $557 per square foot
53 Emerald, Irvine 92614
What: 1985 detached, 4 beds/ 3 baths, 2334 sf, 9400 sf lot size
Neighborhood: Woodbridge
Amenities: pool, two levels
Last sold: 09/30/2004 for $1,200,000
Asking price: $599,000/ $499 per square foot
14 Avellino, Irvine 92620
What: 1982 detached, 3 beds/2 baths, 1200 sf, 4005 sf lot size
Neighborhood: Northwood (near Culver & Bryan Aveue)
Amenities: remodeling, no Mellos Roos, low HOA ($90)
Last sold: 06/24/2005 for $530,000
Irvine’s Mayor Beth Krom will give the 2008 State of the City Address on Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at the Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. A public reception starts at 5 pm, and the State of the City Address starts at 6 pm. The mayor’s address can be seen on ICTV as well as on demand at the City’s website.
Graphic and Photo of City Hall with Clocktower: Courtesy The City of Irvine’s website
For more information on what makes Irvine Irvine, see “Irvine at the Crossroads.”
