News Summary
The Costa Mesa Planning Commission will discuss a significant redevelopment initiative for the former Fairview Developmental Center, transforming 100 acres into a mixed-use community. The project aims to address California’s housing crisis by potentially adding up to 4,000 housing units, including affordable options for low-income families. The redevelopment will also include a regional emergency operations center and promotes community engagement despite some local opposition due to density concerns.
Costa Mesa – The Costa Mesa Planning Commission is set to discuss an ambitious redevelopment plan for the former Fairview Developmental Center on Monday, August 25. This project aims to transform a 100-acre parcel of land located off Harbor Boulevard into a mixed-use community, potentially accommodating up to 4,000 housing units, a significant response to the ongoing housing crisis in California.
The redevelopment proposal includes provisions for 15 acres to be transformed into a regional emergency operations center, while city officials emphasize that the mixed-use development is essential for Costa Mesa to fulfill a state mandate requiring the city to accommodate 11,760 new homes by the end of the decade. In line with this mandate, the Fairview site is projected to provide at least 2,300 residential units, with a commitment for 40% of these to be affordable housing, specifically aimed at low- to very-low-income families.
The Fairview Developmental Center, operational since 1959 as a facility for individuals with developmental disabilities, was closed in 2015. In anticipation of the redevelopment, Costa Mesa received $3.5 million in state funding in 2022, which has been allocated for developing land use scenarios and conducting public outreach regarding the future of the property.
Development Breakdown
The proposed redevelopment will divide the site into three specific sections: 15 acres for the emergency operations center, 20 acres designated for housing individuals with complex developmental needs, and an expansive 80 acres allocated for a mixed-use village. The commission is considering three preliminary design concepts for the community:
- Fairview Promenade: This concept would feature 2,300 housing units for an estimated 5,744 residents, 25,000 square feet of commercial space, and 14 acres of open space.
- Fairview Fields: This mid-range option suggests up to 3,450 units to accommodate approximately 7,816 residents alongside 18 acres of open space.
- Fairview Commons: Preferred by city officials, this higher density plan envisions 4,000 units for around 10,000 residents, including 35,000 square feet of retail space and just under 8 acres of open space.
Community Engagement and Opposition
Community engagement has been a focal point in the planning process, with six meetings conducted between November 2023 and August 2024 for public input on potential design scenarios. However, some residents have voiced strong opposition to the proposed density, raising concerns about the potential impacts on local services and infrastructure, as well as environmental considerations affecting surrounding neighborhoods.
Planning commissioners recognize the complexities involved in aligning the state’s housing requirements with community preferences. Some officials, including the vice chair of the commission, noted the necessity for the project to address community needs and concerns, while also acknowledging the limited authority of the city due to the state ownership of the site.
Next Steps
Ongoing Planning Commission and City Council hearings are scheduled throughout the fall, with the city expecting to finalize a plan by December. In light of the ambitious scope of the project, the city has also requested an extension for the planning and environmental impact report processes, anticipating that completion may not occur until the latter part of next year. Groundbreaking for the redevelopment could take several years, with full construction potentially extending over a decade.
This initiative’s impact resonates beyond immediate housing needs, as the development of the Fairview site is viewed as a unique opportunity to transform a long-vacant area into a vibrant new neighborhood, surrounded by established infrastructure, including a nearby golf course. Proactive planning and careful consideration of community feedback will be pivotal as Costa Mesa moves forward with this significant redevelopment project.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Fairview Developmental Center Redevelopment Planning
- LA Times: 4000 Housing Units at Fairview Developmental Center
- OC Register: State Awards Contract for Emergency Operations Center
- LA Times: Builder Tapped for Emergency Operations Center at Fairview
- LA Times: Vision of Affordable Housing at Fairview Developmental Center
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.
