News Summary
Costa Mesa is set to review the Hive Live project, which proposes 1,050 housing units, including 105 affordable units, aimed at addressing the city’s housing crisis. The development will offer residential units, retail space, and extensive open areas, but faces community concerns over infrastructure and safety. The City Council will deliberate on this significant proposal soon, as the city aims to meet its housing mandates amid increasing demand.
Costa Mesa is preparing to review a significant new development known as Hive Live, which is set to introduce a mixed-use project that will comprise 1,050 housing units to the area. The project, presented by Legacy Partners—a San Francisco-based real estate firm—is poised to include 105 low-income housing units aimed at addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the city.
The proposed site for Hive Live is a 14.25-acre area located north of the 405 Freeway on Susan Street. This land is currently home to the Hive Creative Office Campus and was previously used as the practice field for the Los Angeles Chargers. The project was advanced to the City Council after receiving a favorable vote of 6-1 from the Planning Commission, which acknowledged the necessity for more residential units in Costa Mesa.
On July 15, the City Council is expected to deliberate on the project following the Planning Commission’s recommendation. The overall concept behind Hive Live extends beyond merely providing housing, as it is also set to feature 3,692 square feet of retail space and a substantial 335,958 square feet of open space for the community.
Details of the Development
The Hive Live development will be implemented in three distinct phases:
- Phase 1: This phase will consist of 315 residential units paired with 523 parking spaces and the aforementioned retail space.
- Phase 2: It will add 346 more units, 574 parking slots, and 29 bicycle racks.
- Phase 3: The final phase is set to complete the project with 389 units, 644 parking spaces, and 33 bicycle racks.
Every building within the Hive Live project will possess its own amenities and distinct architectural style, catering to a diverse range of residents. Outdoor amenities planned for the development include exercise stations, seating areas, swimming pools, a dog park, and coworking spaces, fostering a livable environment that appeals to professionals between the ages of 25 and 45.
Community Concerns
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this project, community members have raised several concerns. Issues regarding traffic congestion and safety in the neighborhood have emerged as significant points of discussion. A resident’s letter pointed out the need for improved infrastructure, such as shaded sidewalks and secure connections for cyclists, to enhance community safety and accessibility.
Commissioner Robert Dickson recognizes the challenges posed by the project’s scale, admitting that it may be difficult to satisfy all concerns of residents. Moreover, Commissioner Jon Zich has questioned the appropriateness of the site’s location for such a vast development due to the potential strain on community amenities.
Addressing Housing Needs
Costa Mesa is under a housing mandate that requires planning for an additional 11,760 housing units over the next decade. Alarmingly, the city has constructed fewer than 400 units since 2021, underscoring an urgent need for new developments. Commissioner David Martinez emphasized this requirement, advocating for a solution to the housing crisis in the community.
The Hive Live project is envisioned as a crucial step not only to meet state mandates but also to fulfill the rental needs of the Costa Mesa community. With growing challenges in housing, this mixed-use development may represent a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to provide adequate living spaces for its residents.
As Costa Mesa’s City Council prepares for its review, the outcome will play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future housing landscape. The implications of the Hive Live development extend beyond construction and into the broader context of community growth and sustainability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Costa Mesa Planning Commission Approves Hive Live Development
Costa Mesa Proposes 1,050-Unit Hive Live Residential Development
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Hive Live Proposal
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa
- LA Times: Hive Live Update
- Google Search: Hive Live Costa Mesa
- OC Business Journal: Costa Mesa Approves Hive Live
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- The Real Deal: Hive Live Development
- Google News: Costa Mesa Housing Development
- LA Times: Daily Pilot News
