COSTA MESA : City to Hear Proposal for Airport Office

A county plan to convert an abandoned restaurant near John Wayne Airport into airport administrative offices will be considered tonight by the City Council.

According to city officials, the county is currently in the process of purchasing RW’s Crab Hideout, also known as McCormick’s Landing, at 3180 Airway Ave. Because the property is within city limits, the county must win council approval before the project can advance.

The plan calls for demolishing the restaurant and constructing a 26,170-square-foot, two-story building to house airport staff.

In a letter to city officials, airport director Jan Mittermeier outlined the county’s proposal, which she said will not cause increased airport traffic.

“The county’s intention is to demolish this abandoned restaurant and construct an airport administration building,” wrote Mittermeier. “No other uses are intended and no increase in commercial or general aviation activities is anticipated as a result of this acquisition.”

The airport currently leases four separate suites in a complex one block west of the airport. The acquisition would allow the consolidation of the staff, according to county officials, and would also give staff direct access to the airfield for convenience and during emergencies.

The council will hold a public hearing on the request at its meeting, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.