Commentary: Fairview Developmental Center’s future belongs on the ballot

The recent analysis of Costa Mesa’s proposed no-growth measure presents an opportunity for the community to come together.

Presented at the April 5 City Council meeting, the highly respected consulting firm of Kaiser Marston delivered a 115-page report on the effect of the initiative on the city’s finances and future land-use decisions.

We believe the report’s conclusions present an opportunity for the city and its residents. While the report is detailed and raises significant warning flags if the no-growth initiative were to pass, it fails to offer an alternative.

Like most cities in north Orange County, Costa Mesa is built-out with very few undeveloped parcels remaining. Most of our development is considered “infill,” where an old land use is replaced with a new one.

We are 98% built out and our last remaining parcels of open land must be responsibly planned with community benefit and an identified funding source.

Fairview Developmental Center is Costa Mesa’s last large undeveloped area. We believe the state will close Fairview in the near future, thus presenting the city with an opportunity to plan the 114-acre parcel. This is a golden opportunity that we will never have again, and we must do it right.

The pending FDC closure is a gift for Costa Mesa to address many deficiencies, including its lack of passive and active recreational facilities.

We are calling on the Costa Mesa City Council to place a measure on the November ballot that creates a development impact fee on new projects for the purpose of funding and maintaining active and passive recreational uses at FDC.

Vetting this idea should be the subject of a public hearing in June. This is an opportunity for business and residents to come together for the city’s future.

JENNIFER FARRELL is chairwoman of Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.