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Costa Mesa officials seek to preserve fairgrounds
City Council will decide whether to approve amendment to land-use designation.
By Kristen SchottPublished: February 01, 2010 08:50 AM
Costa Mesa officials are poised to make a key move in the ongoing fight to preserve the Orange County fairgrounds. The City Council this week will decide whether to approve an amendment to its 2000 general plan that will provide a greater description of the 150-acre venue's existing land-use designations.
This action comes shortly after the venue was auctioned off to Newport Beach-based Craig Realty Group, a real estate developer that specializes in outlet malls, for $56.5 million. California officials are currently considering the high bid.
The Orange County Fair & Event Center is coined a "fairgrounds" and is located in the institutional and recreational zone, according to a staff report. This recognizes the property's "unique land uses."
The amendment to the plan will further define allowable uses for the property in a "broad sense." It will also recognize the city's own power if the fairgrounds is no longer owned by the state.
The Planning Commission considered the amendments on Jan. 11, and believes the changes "can achieve the 'certainty' that both Council and the community desire for the property, while retaining the appropriate degree of flexibility in administering future land-use decisions and permits."
Among the descriptions that will be added to the general plan if the measure is approved:
- The document will demonstrate the need for the O.C. Fair in the region. The annual summer event has been in place at the venue for more than 60 years and is key to the local economy, drawing in visitors and boosting revenue for local businesses and restaurants.
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This action comes shortly after the venue was auctioned off to Newport Beach-based Craig Realty Group, a real estate developer that specializes in outlet malls, for $56.5 million. California officials are currently considering the high bid. The Orange County Fair & Event Center is coined a "fairgrounds" and is located in the institutional and recreational zone, according to a staff report. This recognizes the property's "unique land uses." The amendment to the plan will further define allowable uses for the property in a "broad sense." It will also recognize the city's own power if the fairgrounds is no longer owned by the state. The Planning Commission considered the amendments on Jan. 11, and believes the changes "can achieve the 'certainty' that both Council and the community desire for the property, while retaining the appropriate degree of flexibility in administering future land-use decisions and permits." Among the descriptions that will be added to the general plan if the measure is approved:
NEXT PAGE >> Related headlines Crystal Cathedral closes Rancho Capistrano operations Newport Boat Show and Lido Yacht Expo stay put State of the Union address focuses on jobs, economy Pringle: 'There's no finer place to move or grow your business' |
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