Issue of fair site may go to ballots

The Costa Mesa City Council on Tuesday will consider placing a measure on the June ballot to lock in the Orange County fairgrounds’ land use.

According to a staff report, the council members will have four options from which to choose: placing the city’s existing general plan designation for the fairgrounds on the ballot; placing the city’s existing zoning designation for the fairgrounds on the ballot; adopting a specific plan pertaining to the fairgrounds, and then placing it on the ballot; or amending the existing general plan’s designation for the fairgrounds, and then placing it on the ballot.

City staff is recommending that the council picks the fourth option, saying it will provide the “certainty” that the council and the residents are looking for, while also allowing for flexibility on the fairgrounds’ future land use, according to a copy of the staff report.

However, it’s unclear what kind of flexibility the fourth option provides and what it could mean if a future council decides to abolish the fairgrounds’ use.

Many questions will be asked when the staff presents its report during Tuesday’s council meeting, said Councilwoman Katrina Foley.

“I’m leaning toward ensuring that we have the tightest restrictions possible on the site,” Foley said. “At this point, I prefer the specific plan option. It’s the best way to achieve what the community has asked for.”

The specific plan, the third option, would allow the city to adopt specific details pertaining to the fairgrounds’ land use, including steps that must be taken before any changes could be made. The city is preparing a specific plan, per the council’s vote Oct. 20.

The council also is scheduled to meet in closed session to discuss the price and terms of payments regarding the Orange County Fairgrounds, which was placed for sale by the state in October.

Although the council members unanimously passed a resolution asking Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to cancel the proposed sale of the fairgrounds, pursuing a purchase is the council’s backup plan, in case the governor does not stop the proposed sale.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors also passed a resolution asking Schwarzenegger to cancel the proposed sale. The supervisors are also looking to buy the fairgrounds in case the state proceeds with the sale.