On Tuesday Jan. 21, the Costa Mesa City Council approved a high-level, housing-focused plan that outlines the City Council’s recommended uses for the future development of the state-owned Fairview Developmental Center that is slated to close by June 30, 2020.

The Center’s remaining clients are transitioning out by the end of January, and a comprehensive infrastructure and site assessment is currently underway by the state and should be complete in late 2020.

“While Fairview Developmental Center is a state-owned facility, we have long believed that whatever happens to the property in the future should be developed with the best interests of Costa Mesa and its residents in mind,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “We hope to work with the state to create a housing plan that integrates into the overall community, ends veteran homelessness in Orange County, and generates mixed income, workforce housing as well as affordable home ownership opportunities.”

The initial “Costa Mesa Solution” will be presented to the Governor’s Office, the State Department of General Services, state legislators and stakeholder groups and will outline a three-pronged approach for the site that includes veterans housing, permanent supportive housing with wrap-around services and housing that serves all income levels.

At the local level, the draft Costa Mesa Solution incorporates the themes of Community Integration and Economic Sustainability for the property, envisioning a neighborhood with trip-capturing amenities and innovative housing opportunities for veterans, those in need of permanent supportive services, young families, youth and seniors.

At the County level, the draft Costa Mesa Solution provides the resources to end veteran homelessness in Orange County and combines with the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter to provide system flow for shelter and permanent supportive housing to address the City’s share of regional housing and homeless services goals.

Finally, at the State level, the draft Costa Mesa Solution addresses the goals of the Governor and Legislature to provide additional housing at all income levels with a focus on the workforce, to increase permanent supportive housing, and to proactively address homelessness.

The City Council looks forward to continuing its proactive work regarding the future disposition of the Fairview Developmental Center site, engaging actively with the Governor’s Office and Department of General Services and the Costa Mesa community as the site reuse conversation evolves.