News Summary
The Costa Mesa City Council has approved a proposal for 142 residential units on the former Trinity Broadcasting Network site. This includes 122 stacked-flat townhomes and 20 detached single-family homes, with a focus on addressing the housing crisis and providing affordable options. The project is part of ongoing efforts to meet the state’s housing mandates and includes community contributions to enhance local parks, despite concerns about traffic and neighborhood safety.
Costa Mesa – The Costa Mesa City Council has officially approved a proposal to construct 142 residential units on the site of the former Trinity Broadcasting Network headquarters. This development plan, presented by Meritage Homes, features 122 stacked-flat townhomes and 20 detached single-family homes on a 6.12-acre parcel located at 3150 Bear St., just south of the 405 Freeway.
The Planning Commission had previously endorsed the proposal during a meeting held on July 24, 2024. Following this approval, the City Council directed the applicant in September 2024 to prioritize considerations regarding open space, sidewalks, and street safety in their plans. The ongoing housing crisis in Costa Mesa, where approximately 60% of residents rent their homes, has heightened the urgency for new housing developments, especially affordable options, as housing costs continue to rise significantly.
Meritage Homes has pledged to include seven units specifically designated for very low-income occupants, addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the area. The company positions this project as a means to cater to the “missing middle” demographic—those seeking to purchase homes but unable to afford traditional single-family properties.
In addition to housing, Meritage Homes will also contribute a one-time payment of $250,000 to enhance Shiffer Park and will be responsible for other city developer and impact fees. The proposed development includes a total of 319 parking spots, which is below the city’s requirements but surpasses state mandates for density bonus housing initiatives. Furthermore, a signalized intersection is planned for the southwestern corner of Bear Street to improve traffic flow.
Despite these developments, there are significant concerns from local residents regarding potential traffic issues and parking in the existing neighborhoods, particularly related to a proposed pedestrian gate at the northeastern corner near Olympic Boulevard. Local community members fear that this gate could lead to increased foot traffic and exacerbate parking problems in their areas. Some residents have articulated their opposition, citing potential safety threats to their neighborhoods.
During the council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez highlighted the need to balance the project’s benefits with community concerns, advocating for the removal of the pedestrian gate proposal altogether. Councilmember Arlis Reynolds sought to introduce conditions to limit access through the gate but did not garner sufficient support. Nevertheless, the council ultimately voted 6-0 to approve the project, with Mayor John Stephens stating the benefits of providing housing outweighed any negative impacts on nearby residents.
Ongoing concerns regarding traffic congestion and parking adequacy in the surrounding area have been underscored by community voices. The property currently hosting the development, formerly known as The Palazzo by Khoshbin, is scheduled to close permanently on August 31, 2025, following a shift from its previous operation as a luxury event venue.
This new development aligns with state housing mandates, compelling Costa Mesa to zone for an additional 11,760 residential units by 2029. The City Council plans to hold further meetings to continue engaging with the community and collect input regarding housing development and community needs in Costa Mesa.
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Additional Resources
- LA Times: 142 Ownership Units at Costa Mesa’s TBN Building
- OC Register: New Housing Community at Former TBN Headquarters
- YieldPro: Eastside Costa Mesa Development
- LA Times: Costa Mesa Council Approves Victoria Place
- OC Register: Westside Costa Mesa Affordable Housing for Seniors
- Wikipedia: Housing in the United States
- Google Search: Costa Mesa housing
- Google Scholar: Costa Mesa housing development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: Costa Mesa housing
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
