O.C. PLATFORM : Land of Opportunity
Closure of the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station can be a windfall to Orange County or a terrible, lost opportunity if the wrong choices are made.
About 1,555 acres of prime land must be sold once the Marines leave the base and the contamination is removed.
Should the federal government sell the land to developers, who promise to generate tax dollars by extending the Irvine Spectrum or creating new business and shopping malls?
No. The cost to the public for additional services, the clogging of our freeways and increased population will exceed any benefits from tax dollars. Only the developers gain. Supervisor Thomas F. Riley proposes converting the two blimp hangars that are historical landmarks to aviation and science museums. This makes the most sense.
The land surrounding the museums could be converted to sprawling, natural parks that are low maintenance, aesthetically beautiful and a pleasant offset to the overbuilt communities that surround it.
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