Irvine / Tustin : Talks Stall on Expanding Road Into Marine Base

Negotiations have bogged down on a plan to extend Jamboree Boulevard through the U.S. Marine Corps Helicopter Air Station in Tustin, blocking long-sought development plans around the base.

The talks between representatives of the Marines, the Irvine Co. and the cities of Tustin and Irvine have stalled over the key issue of protecting the two most important air routes into and out of the base. The Marines want residential development under the routes restricted to lessen noise complaints, which they see as a major source of political pressures to curtail pilot training at both their Tustin and El Toro bases.

Without the new road to carry increased traffic, the two cities and the Irvine Co. may not be able to secure governmental approval to greatly expand development around the base, including expansion of the Irvine Business Complex and major residential-commercial developments in Irvine and Tustin that include several thousand homes.

The restrictions would protect the so-called Browning Corridor, an air route northeast of the base that parallels Browning Avenue in Tustin, and another route known as the Ground Control Approach, which passes over Irvine’s village of Northwood.

Irvine City Manager William Woollett Jr. said Irvine officials are reluctant to officially recognize the Marines’ right to fly the Ground Control Approach.

“There is no way we are going to sign an agreement with the Marine Corps that validates in any fashion their aircraft flying over our residential area,” Woollett said.

He said the Marines could realign the Ground Control Approach, which has been in use for years, so that it flies over no residences.

The Marines and cities had reached an agreement in principle more than 10 months ago and were expected then to quickly iron out details.

Spokesmen for the parties involved continue to express confidence that an agreement is close at hand, however. Woollett acknowledged that, despite the differences, the critical importance of the Jamboree extension makes all other issues negotiable.

Tustin City Manager Bill Huston said he thinks an agreement governing development under the Browning Corridor is “pretty well wrapped up.”

Base commander Gen. William A. Bloomer said in a statement that land use restrictions under both corridors are still being discussed, however.