Council Delays Action on Buying School Land

Despite heavy pressure from the community to buy Costa Mesa High School’s former farm, the City Council decided Monday to seek more information before spending millions of dollars for the property, which would be used to build a park and sports complex.

Specifically, council members said, they want to find out if officials of Newport-Mesa Unified School District are likely to offer other properties for sale or if the 18 acres at the high school will be the only tract available.

“I think we need to know what else are they going to sell off before we make any decision,” Councilwoman Mary Hornbuckle said, adding that she and Mayor Joe Erickson will meet with school district officials this month on that issue.

The school district has either sold or is planning to sell several of its closed schools. The sale of the former Bear Street School in August brought the district $5.3 million.

The funds raised are being used to pay for repairs at schools across Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. The district has considered selling other properties, including the farm and the Monte Vista school in Costa Mesa, which is being used as an alternative education center.

The farm has been appraised at about $10 million, district officials said, but they have not set a selling price.

The council will reconsider the possibility of buying the farm at its May 6 meeting.

Information: (714) 754-5225.