Fairview Developmental Center housing proposal to be voted on by council on September 15.
After four years of extensive planning and community engagement, the Fairview Developmental Center redevelopment project is poised for a pivotal decision. The Costa Mesa City Council is scheduled to convene on September 15 to deliberate on a proposed land use plan that envisions transforming 80 acres of state-owned property into a dynamic mixed-use community, potentially introducing up to 4,000 homes capable of accommodating approximately 10,000 new residents.
The redevelopment of the Fairview site, strategically located off Harbor Boulevard, represents a critical step for Costa Mesa in addressing its state-mandated housing objectives. The city is required to zone for 11,760 new homes by the end of the decade, and current estimates suggest that the Fairview site alone can yield at least 2,300 residential units, with a significant 40 percent designated as affordable for low- to very-low-income families.
City planning officials underscore the importance of reaching a minimum of 3,450 units to ensure the project remains financially viable for prospective builders. Developers frequently rely on market-rate apartments to offset the costs associated with the mandated affordable housing provisions.
During a recent planning commission meeting, the council advanced a draft plan proposing a range between 2,300 and 4,000 housing units, along with 35,000 square feet of commercial space and a commitment to provide a minimum of 14 acres dedicated to parks and open spaces. However, the proposal has not gone unchallenged. Residents have expressed concerns regarding the implications of such dense development on local traffic, public safety, and property values in neighboring areas. There is also apprehension about potential harm to a neighboring golf course, which is cherished by the community.
Conversely, some local advocates argue that the initiative represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create much-needed affordable housing, particularly for essential workers who have been driven from Costa Mesa due to escalating living costs.
The Fairview Developmental Center, which first opened in 1959, previously served as a state-operated residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. Following its closure in 2015, Costa Mesa received .5 million from the state in 2022 to explore various land use options and engage with the community regarding potential redevelopment scenarios. Additionally, the state is utilizing 15 acres for the development of a regional emergency operations center, which broke ground in October 2022.
As the project progresses, city officials emphasize the necessity to align with state mandates that prioritize affordable housing, including provisions for at least 200 units of permanent supportive housing and accommodations for individuals with developmental disabilities. Once the land use plan is officially adopted, the state will initiate the process of selecting a developer for the project. However, city officials caution that it may take several years before construction commences, with full development potentially extending beyond a decade.
The upcoming decision represents a significant moment in Costa Mesa’s efforts to address its housing crisis while balancing community interests and needs.
