Going for specifics

The Costa Mesa City Council unanimously directed its staff to begin looking at ways to lock down the usage of the Orange County Fairgrounds through a specific plan in order to block the property from future development during Tuesday’s meeting.

The plan, which is expected to be drafted about the same time as the deadline for potential buyers to submit official interest in buying the state property, would specify the fairgrounds’ uses and make it difficult for a private owner to develop the property.

But before the council voted, at least 12 Costa Mesa residents spoke in favor of the plan with none speaking against it.

With a breaking voice and teary eyes, Quorine Harwood spoke of the place she learned to ride horses and the place where she got away. Harwood, 24, said taking away the fairgrounds would be heartbreaking.

Many residents suggested the city put the issue on the June ballot.

Assistant City Atty. Harold Potter said he can’t think of any legal basis for the issue to go to a vote. However, Potter, city staff and the city manager are currently looking at all legal options to keep the fairgrounds as is.

Earlier this month, California announced it would officially put the fairgrounds up for sale. The property would go to the highest bidder. The deadline bids for the 150-acre site is Jan. 8, and the new owner would take over by next October.

The state is hoping to raise up to $180 million from selling the property to help close its deficit gap. The Assembly voted to put the property up for sale in July.

Members of the fair board and other local politicians have formed the Orange County Fair and Event Center Foundation in an attempt to purchase the land.