News Summary
Costa Mesa is planning to redevelop the 115-acre Fairview Development Center, which has been vacant since 2015. The proposed project aims for a mixed-use community featuring residential units and commercial spaces, along with public open spaces. City officials expect to address the housing needs by incorporating affordable housing options while balancing community concerns over density. A redevelopment plan is expected by December, driven by state funding and public engagement.
Costa Mesa is moving forward with a plan for the redevelopment of the 115-acre Fairview Development Center, which has been vacant since its closure in 2015. The Costa Mesa Planning Commission has recommended that city officials consider transforming the former state-operated residential care facility into a mixed-use community that could potentially feature between 2,300 and 3,800 new residential units along with commercial spaces.
The proposed redevelopment plan envisions allocating up to 35,000 square feet for commercial uses, in addition to creating at least 12 acres of publicly accessible open space and pedestrian trails. These elements aim to enhance community living, offering residents recreational spaces and amenities while also fulfilling Costa Mesa’s housing needs.
In an effort to address the state mandate requiring Costa Mesa to add at least 11,760 new housing units by the end of the decade, city officials have indicated that around 40% of the planned residential units could be designated as affordable housing for low- to very-low-income families. The city anticipates that the site can accommodate at least 2,300 residential units, based on estimates provided in the city’s housing element.
The redevelopment is expected to feature three distinct sections: 15 acres devoted to a regional emergency operations center, 20 acres designated for housing individuals with complex needs, and 80 acres planned for the mixed-use neighborhood. Furthermore, while higher-density options could theoretically allow for 4,000 units, current city preferences lean towards exploring the lower-density alternatives that align better with community feedback.
The planning process has been bolstered by a $3.5 million state funding allocation received in 2022, aimed at developing land use scenarios for the site. Planning Commission and City Council hearings are slated to continue into the fall, with a final redevelopment plan expected to be adopted by December. City officials have also requested an extension for the planning and environmental impact reports, indicating that these processes may extend until late next year.
While the redevelopment of the Fairview site promises to offer much-needed housing options, residents have voiced concerns regarding the density of the proposed housing and its potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Community groups have historically been vigilant in protecting local interests, as previous projects have attracted legal challenges related to affordable housing prioritization and environmental effects.
City officials and the Planning Commission have shared three preliminary design concepts for public review, each showcasing varying density options. However, community advocates continue to emphasize the necessity of a development that prioritizes livability through the integration of not only housing but also recreational spaces and communal amenities.
As city planners move forward with the ambitious project, they aim to construct a vibrant new neighborhood at the Fairview site, complete with roadways, bikeways, and commercial areas. Although the project could take several years before breaking ground and over a decade to complete, city leaders stress that it represents an essential step toward addressing the pressing need for housing while enhancing the overall quality of life in Costa Mesa.
The state’s intention to retain 15 acres of the site for the emergency operations center further underscores the collaboration required to balance public safety needs with community development initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Fairview Developmental Center Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa
- LA Times: Costa Mesa Housing Opinion
- Google Search: Costa Mesa housing development
- OC Business Journal: Real Estate Roundup
- Google Scholar: Costa Mesa housing
- The Real Deal: Hive Live Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa
- OC Business Journal: Costa Mesa OKs Hive Live
- Google News: Costa Mesa Fairview redevelopment
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.
