Banning seeking input

Although county officials have rejected Costa Mesa’s request for a sphere of influence over Banning Ranch, the city could still have some input on what happens to the land.

“Clearly the city has an interest in the future of Banning Ranch, whether it is fully developed or if it is preserved as park and open space,” Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder said. “We have been pleased with the owner’s receptiveness with working with Costa Mesa.”

Newport Banning Ranch LLC, the private management team that oversees Banning Ranch, is developing plans for housing, a hotel and shopping in the area. The management group hopes to unveil tentative plans late this spring.

The owners of Banning Ranch want Costa Mesa’s input on the project as well, said George Basye, who represents the land owners.

“We envision a couple of community workshops later this year,” Basye said. “We want to make sure we listen and we don’t miss anything in this collaborative process.”

Heavy development on the land could affect traffic on some Costa Mesa roads, Roeder said.

Meanwhile, Newport Beach is investigating the feasibility of buying the more than 400-acre piece of land and preserving it as parks and open space.

The Orange County Local Agency Forming Committee, which oversees county annexations, rejected Costa Mesa’s request for a sphere of influence in Banning Ranch last month.

Costa Mesa and Newport Beach hope to someday annex parts of Banning Ranch’s more than 400 acres along the Santa Ana River and West Coast Highway.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at [email protected].