News Summary
Costa Mesa has initiated redevelopment at the Fairview Developmental Center site, breaking ground on a Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center. This facility will support disaster preparedness for 23 million residents across Southern California. The development will also include 2,300 residential units to meet the city’s housing needs. The planning process is ongoing, with community hearings scheduled, while addressing concerns about density and environmental impacts as the area transitions from its historical use.
Costa Mesa has officially commenced redevelopment at the Fairview Developmental Center site with the groundbreaking of a Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center. This center will fill a crucial role in disaster preparedness, serving an extensive area that encompasses 23 million residents across 11 counties and 226 cities in Southern California.
The new facility is set to occupy a part of the 115-acre Fairview property. It will feature a 39,000-square-foot office and a 21,000-square-foot warehouse, constructed on a 15-acre site. The expected completion date for the emergency operations center is in two years, coinciding with current efforts to improve California’s readiness for natural disasters, as highlighted by recent calamitous events in the region.
The Fairview Developmental Center originally opened its doors in 1959 and provided support for over 2,600 individuals with developmental disabilities. However, the site was closed in 2015 by former Governor Jerry Brown, who initiated the process of relocating remaining residents to community-based housing.
In 2022, Costa Mesa received $3.5 million in state funding dedicated to planning the redevelopment of 100 acres of the Fairview property. This redevelopment is designed to accommodate at least 2,300 residential units, as Costa Mesa has been mandated to construct a minimum of 11,760 new homes by the end of the decade. Significantly, at least 40% of these new housing units are required to be affordable for families with low to very-low incomes.
The city’s Planning Commission has put forth recommendations to the Costa Mesa City Council for scenarios that include up to 4,000 total housing units. The preferred layout for the development proposes 3,800 housing units, alongside 35,000 square feet of retail space and 12 acres of open space. To facilitate access, two roads connecting the housing development to Harbor Boulevard have been planned, one of which will traverse a golf course.
Community members have expressed concerns regarding the density of the proposed housing plan, especially considering the availability of recreational spaces and amenities. As part of the planning process, an environmental impact report is being conducted, with its completion expected by the end of next year. However, it is anticipated that construction for the new housing units may not start for several years, with a timeline extending at least a decade for full completion.
Importantly, the state will select the developer responsible for the housing project, which aims not only to provide housing but also to retain some areas for individuals with complex needs. Furthermore, the city is committed to honoring the historical significance of the Fairview site while facilitating its transition towards community-focused uses.
In light of these developments, the Costa Mesa City Council is set to hold a public hearing on the housing plans on Tuesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. in City Hall, inviting further community engagement as the city moves forward with both the emergency operations facility and the housing initiative.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Costa Mesa Makes Progress in Fairview Developmental Center Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa
- Los Angeles Times: Groundbreaking at Fairview Developmental Center
- Google Search: Costa Mesa Fairview Developmental Center redevelopment
- OC Business Journal: Costa Mesa Panel OKs Fairview Developmental Center Redo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa
- Los Angeles Times: Plan for 1,050 Unit Hive Live in Costa Mesa
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA 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.
