NEWPORT BEACH

The Irvine Co. has thrown its support behind Measure T and opposes Measure S, according to a letter sent last week to proponents of the Traffic Phasing initiative.

“We are taking a position on this issue as a planner and as a company that has a long history and a long future in the community, and that cares a great deal about the quality of Newport Beach,” said Gary Hunt, executive vice president of the Irvine Co.

Hunt added that the company had conducted studies and weighed the pros and cons of both measures before deciding to take sides on the issue.

The letter, signed by Hunt, characterizes the Traffic Phasing initiative, or Measure T, as a responsible effort to address “the legitimate traffic concerns of Newport Beach residents.”

The measure would add parts of the city’s traffic phasing ordinance to the charter and nullify Measure S, also known as the Greenlight initiative, should voters approve both measures.