Proposed Costa Mesa zoning change could pave way for homes to replace business center
Costa Mesa City Council members Monday will weigh whether to change the zoning of a 2-acre commercial site in Mesa Verde to make way for planned residential development on the property.
During a special meeting, council members will consider adopting a general plan amendment and modifying the zoning at 2850 Mesa Verde Drive East to change the land use from commercial to low-density residential.
Taking those actions wouldn’t authorize a specific project on the property, but Pinnacle Residential, a development company, is proposing to build 11 two-story single-family homes there.
Detailed plans for the development would have to be submitted to the city for consideration.
The property currently contains 24,267 square feet of office buildings that were constructed in 1963 and 1985. It’s next to a 10-home tract called Miraval, which Pinnacle is building along with Collective Housing Supply.
The Costa Mesa Planning Commission considered the rezoning application Sept. 26 and unanimously recommended council approval.
Proponents say the housing project would provide quality new homes and replace a business center that’s showing signs of age.
But some residents criticized the idea of redeveloping the site, saying it would be difficult for businesses in the center to find space in the city to relocate.
Tenants include medical and dental offices, consulting firms and insurance agencies.
“It’s a seriously important business center for that community because there’s really nothing else quite like it in the area,” said Jim Turrell, a pastor whose church, the Center for Spiritual Living Newport-Mesa, has an office in the complex. “It is sort of shocking that we would just say we’re going to put 20 people out of business and probably 80 people out of work … for the sake of 11 families.”
Monday’s City Council meeting will start at 5:45 p.m. at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.
Council members last month changed the meeting to Monday on account of an event at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts honoring Julianne and George Argyros that’s scheduled during the council’s typical Tuesday night time slot.
Mayor Steve Mensinger said the event is important to attend to recognize the Argyroses’ philanthropic efforts.
Council members Katrina Foley and Sandy Genis opposed rescheduling the meeting, saying they didn’t think it was proper to change it so some council members could attend another event.
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