News Summary

Irvine plans to convert the former All American Asphalt plant site into a 700-acre Gateway Preserve, which will include 900 new townhomes. This transformation addresses community concerns about odors and air quality. The city aims to provide open spaces connecting to existing preserves while developing residential areas to fund the initiative. Future features may include nature trails and an interpretive center to educate visitors about the local environment.

Irvine to Transform Old Asphalt Plant into 700-Acre Gateway Preserve and 900 New Townhomes

Irvine is poised to commence a major transformation of the former All American Asphalt plant site, as the city plans to clear the area over the next few months, paving the way for the development of a 700-acre open space preserve called the Gateway Preserve. The residential aspect of this project, which will include approximately 900 new townhomes, is anticipated to receive approval from the Irvine City Council later this year. This initiative aims to address longstanding community concerns regarding odors and air quality issues linked to the asphalt plant.

The city of Irvine purchased the asphalt plant for $285 million, intending to convert the site into a vast open space, which will also feature access to Limestone Canyon, Black Star Canyon, and the Cleveland National Forest. Along with the asphalt plant, the city acquired additional land to facilitate the proposed residential development, with home sales expected to begin as early as 2027.

Community Concerns and Legal Action

The former asphalt plant, in operation since the early 1990s, became increasingly contentious as nearby residential neighborhoods expanded. Homebuyers reported that they were often unaware of the plant’s presence, which led to numerous complaints from local residents about the plant’s emissions and unpleasant odors. In 2020, the city filed a public nuisance lawsuit against the asphalt plant in response to a surge in complaints from the community.

Subsequent testing by the South Coast Air Quality Management District determined that the emissions from the plant did not meet health concern thresholds; however, residents remained perturbed by the associated air quality issues. The city initially sought to persuade the plant to relocate before ultimately deciding to purchase the property in 2023.

The Vision for Gateway Preserve

The Gateway Preserve is envisioned as a vital enhancement to the quality of life for residents in the city and will connect to the existing 20,000-acre Northern Open Space Preserve. City officials are working closely with community feedback to finalize plans for the preserve, which will incorporate new trails, natural habitats, and two thematic parks. A key feature will be the addition of the Canyon Trail, designed to offer uninterrupted access to the larger preserve area, enriching local recreational opportunities.

Furthermore, there may be plans for an interpretive center within the preserve to educate visitors about the local environment and history. The city aims to fund the acquisition and development of the preserve by establishing a residential neighborhood on roughly 70 acres of land that has been donated by the Irvine Company.

Future Developments

As the timeline for the Gateway Preserve project moves forward, city officials remain committed to collaborating with the community to shape the final outcomes. The transition from an industrial site to an expansive preserve underscores the city’s dedication to improving public health and environmental quality for its residents.

The comprehensive project not only aims to remedy past nuisances caused by the asphalt plant but also envisions a delightful space for recreational activities, ultimately promoting a healthier and more sustainable community for the future.

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Additional Resources

• LAist: Townhomes and Nature Preserve in Irvine
• Wikipedia: Irvine, California
• OC Register: Irvine’s Ambitious Nature Preserve Housing Project
• Google Search: Gateway Preserve Irvine
• Irvine Standard: City Unveils Major Land Preservation Agreement
• Encyclopedia Britannica: California
• GlobeSt: Brookfield Nails $654M Land Deal with Irvine
• Google News: Irvine