Costa Mesa Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Housing Development

News Summary

Costa Mesa is exploring the development of housing units at the former Fairview Developmental Center, which could see 4,000 units built. Concerns have been raised by residents regarding affordability, open space, and infrastructure adequacy. Three scenarios were presented for development, with ‘Fairview Commons’ being the preferred option. The city is under pressure to meet state housing mandates while balancing local resident interests. A plan needs to be finalized by December, but an extension is being sought for thorough planning.

Costa Mesa Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed 4,000-Unit Housing Development at Former Fairview Developmental Center

Costa Mesa is currently evaluating housing possibilities for the recently decommissioned Fairview Developmental Center, a state hospital that closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city has been granted the opportunity to rezone the site for residential developments after a portion of the land, totaling 15 acres, was allocated for a new regional emergency operation center.

The state awarded Costa Mesa $3.5 million to assist in the formulation of guidelines aimed at attracting potential developers to the site. A review of the city’s housing element indicates that the land has the capacity to accommodate a minimum of 2,300 housing units, with 40% of these units expected to be designated as affordable housing.

Public input has been an integral part of the planning process. Over six workshops conducted from November 2023 to August 2024, residents shared their views on various building configurations and development scenarios. As a result, three potential land use scenarios were presented to the Planning Commission for their consideration:

• Fairview Promenade:
  • 2,300 units projected to house approximately 5,744 residents.
  • Includes 25,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
  • Features 14 acres of open space.
  • Accessed via a single road connecting to Harbor Boulevard.
• Fairview Fields:
  • Up to 3,450 units which could accommodate around 7,816 individuals.
  • Includes 18 acres of open space.
  • Features a second access road that passes through the Costa Mesa Country Club’s Mesa Linda golf course.
• Fairview Commons:
  • Identified as the “preferred option,” proposing 4,000 units for an estimated population of 10,232.
  • Includes up to 35,000 square feet of commercial development.
  • Two access roads are proposed, but only 7.9 acres of remaining open space.

A significant concern raised by city planners relates to the inclusion of market-rate units to ensure the financial viability of affordable housing. Residents have expressed their objections regarding the densely developed option, voicing worries about insufficient open space and potential negative impacts on the local golf course.

Additionally, local advocates have highlighted concerns surrounding infrastructure adequacy in the face of an influx of over 10,000 new residents. Issues such as street capacity, utilities, and public safety are at the forefront of the discussion. Planning Commissioners have noted the ongoing conflict between state housing mandates and local resident interests, emphasizing the need for improved responsiveness to community needs.

The city has set a deadline of December to develop a specific plan for the site. However, city staff are seeking an extension from the state to allow for more comprehensive planning. During these discussions, Vice Chair Jon Zich encouraged residents to petition the City Council for any desired changes regarding the proposed plans.

Planning Commission Chair Jeff Harlan recognized the mixed feelings about the site’s development potential and the importance of thorough planning before implementation. Ultimately, the state will select a developer for the property, and the culmination of public input and planning efforts could take several years before any construction happens.

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Additional Resources

• LA Times: Plan for 4,000 Housing Units at Fairview Developmental Center
• Google Search: Fairview Developmental Center Costa Mesa
• OC Register: Costa Mesa Begins Planning for Homes at Fairview Developmental Center Site
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
• LAist: Costa Mesa Fairview Center Homeless Housing
• Google News: Affordable Housing Costa Mesa
• LA Times: A Vision of Affordable Housing at Fairview Developmental Center
• Google Scholar: Costa Mesa housing development
• LA Times: Costa Mesa Pushes Back Against the State’s Plans for Fairview Developmental Center
• Wikipedia: Affordable Housing