News Summary
The city of Irvine is taking steps to transform the former All American Asphalt plant site into a 700-acre open space preserve and develop around 900 new townhomes. City Manager Oliver Chi announced the clearing of old machinery and hazardous materials will commence shortly. The Gateway Preserve will improve environmental conditions and offer recreational opportunities while addressing longstanding community complaints about air quality. This significant urban development plan aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Irvine.
Irvine Advances Plans for Gateway Preserve and Residential Development
The city of Irvine is moving forward with a significant project aimed at transforming the former All American Asphalt plant site into a 700-acre open space preserve and developing approximately 900 new townhomes. This initiative addresses longstanding community complaints regarding unpleasant odors and air quality stemming from the asphalt operations.
City Manager Oliver Chi has announced that steps are being taken to clear the site of old machinery and hazardous materials, with plans to begin demolition by late summer. City officials are currently soliciting bids for the clearance project, which is expected to commence within the coming months.
The Gateway Preserve will offer environmental and recreational opportunities, including trails that provide connection to the wider 20,000-acre Northern Open Space Preserve, which links to Limestone Canyon, Black Star Canyon, and the Cleveland National Forest. This new space aims to restore the area to its natural state, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the local ecosystem and providing outdoor spaces for residents.
City Purchases Asphalt Plant for $285 Million
The city has agreed to purchase the asphalt plant for $285 million, paving the way for the development of the gateway project. Along with the open space, additional land will be acquired to facilitate the housing development. It is projected that the revenue generated from home sales, projected to commence as early as 2027, will help offset costs related to the preserve.
Housing development plans are expected to be presented to the City Council later this year, marking a crucial step in the overall progress of the Gateway Preserve initiative. The asphalt plant has been in operation since the early 1990s, serving as a source of air quality concerns and off-putting odors for residents nearby. Many homebuyers were unaware of the plant’s proximity when making their purchases, leading to numerous complaints regarding air quality.
Community Concerns and Legal Actions
In response to ongoing resident concerns, the city took legal action in 2020 by filing a public nuisance lawsuit against the asphalt plant. Although air quality tests conducted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District have indicated that emissions from the facility remain below health concern thresholds, the community’s grievances have persisted. Over the years, the city explored various options for relocating the plant before ultimately deciding to acquire the site in 2023.
Future Plans for Urban Development
To fund the asphalt plant’s purchase, the city plans to master plan approximately 70 acres of land contributed by the Irvine Company for residential development. This approach signifies a dual investment in enhancing the community’s living standards while simultaneously preserving and improving public health through the creation of more green space.
Commitment to Environmental and Community Improvement
City officials have highlighted their ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. The new initiative speaks to a broader goal of enhancing local wildlife habitats and ecosystems while also creating safe, recreational spaces for family and community engagement.
The Gateway Preserve represents a pivotal transformation for the area, turning a site of community concern into an expansive open space intended to serve current and future generations. As the city moves forward with these plans, the focus remains on fostering a healthy, sustainable environment for all Irvine residents.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Irvine’s Ambitious Nature Preserve Housing Project
- LAist: Townhomes and Nature Preserve in Irvine
- Irvine Standard: Major Land Preservation Agreement
- GlobeSt: Brookfield’s $654M Land Deal with Irvine
- OC Register: Irvine OKs Financing Plan for Asphalt Plant
- Wikipedia: Irvine, California
- Google Search: Irvine housing development
- Google Scholar: Irvine nature preserve
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irvine
- Google News: Irvine Gateway Preserve
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.
