COSTA MESA : Park Measures Win Support of Council

Setting aside parts of Fairview Park for ball fields and allowing developers to pay for future parks are two measures that were endorsed by the City Council this week to help increase the percentage of open space in the city.

Despite several concerns, the council in a 4-1 decision reluctantly approved the plan. The endorsement came after the council spent several hours rehashing various questions about the proposal.

“We are not happy with the document,” said Mayor Mary Hornbuckle. “But at this point I think it’s time we get off the dime.”

The action still left many questions unanswered.

Although the measures were approved, the council did not decide on the finer details, such as how many acres of Fairview Park will be dedicated to playing fields and how much money developers will have to pay.

City staff members have suggested that developers chip in up to $8,000 for each housing unit they build in the city, which has caused an outcry in the development community.

At Monday’s meeting, several local developers complained that the city was unfairly burdening new development, which could ultimately lead to higher housing prices.