IRVINE : Forum to Be Held on Marine Base Reuse

The public will have an opportunity to comment on conversion plans for the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station during a community forum Wednesday.

The event is sponsored by the city and the Chamber of Commerce, which has assembled a panel of experts to discuss the closure and reuse process.

Organizers said the goal is to provide residents with accurate information about El Toro’s future and solicit ideas from the public on what to do with the base once the Marines leave later this decade.

One often-discussed idea is to convert El Toro into a commercial airport. But many Irvine residents oppose the idea because of fears that it will create traffic, noise and pollution. Other suggestions include using parts of the base to build a commercial business district or an amusement park.

Panelists include Paul O. Brady Jr., Irvine’s city manager; Peter Ciesla, assistant transition coordinator for the Pentagon’s Base Realignment and Closure Office; and Ernie Schneider, the county’s administrative officer. The moderator will be Steve Churm, publisher of Orange County Metropolitan.

The forum will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the council chambers. It will also be broadcast on cable television.