Costa Mesa City Council Approves 2,300-Unit Housing Development at Former Fairview Center Site

The Costa Mesa City Council recently approved a substantial housing development on the former 80-acre Fairview Developmental Center site. The plan includes 2,300 new residences, with 920 units designated as affordable for low-income tenants, along with 35,000 square feet of commercial space for retail, dining, and services.

This decision advances a long-term strategy to repurpose the property, which closed in 2022 after serving over 2,500 patients. The approved project also incorporates 25 acres of publicly accessible open space, featuring parks, trails, and recreational facilities. The Council's approval represents a reduction from an earlier Planning Commission proposal that would have allowed up to 4,000 units, balancing development with community considerations. The city is under state pressure to add 11,760 residential units by the end of the decade.

Councilmember Arlis Reynolds highlighted the critical need for affordable housing, noting that approximately half of Costa Mesans spend over 30% of their income on housing. The adopted plan also avoids changes to the Mesa Linda golf course, which would have been impacted by a higher unit count. Developers may still pursue density bonuses for exceeding affordable housing thresholds, offering flexibility for future project phases.