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Planning commission finds 2025–26 capital improvement program in conformance with Costa Mesa general plan
Summary
The Planning Commission on May 12 voted 6-0 to find that the City of Costa Mesa’s one‑year (FY2025–26) and five‑year Capital Improvement Program conform to the city’s General Plan. Commissioners raised maintenance and Westside park funding concerns but were satisfied staff tied projects to plan policies.
The Costa Mesa Planning Commission on May 12 adopted a resolution finding that the city’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025–26 one‑year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the accompanying five‑year CIP are in conformance with the city’s General Plan. The vote was 6-0.
Public Works staff said the CIP programs approximately $28.7 million in capital projects for the coming year, funded from multiple sources including grant reimbursements, gas tax (RMRA), Measure M, and local funds; staff noted the program assumes $12 million in future bond financing toward Fire Station 2. Staff described major projects in the program, including Fire Station 2 design and construction, Adams Avenue improvements and bike facilities, Fairview Road and other bicycle/pedestrian projects, a citywide street maintenance program and a federally funded pedestrian safety festival (noted as a $400,000 grant).
Commissioners and members of the public pressed staff on several topics: the absence of near‑term funding for Westside Park development (a recurring public concern), the status of sustainability and climate adaptation projects (staff said projects are being deferred pending a forthcoming climate action/adaptation plan), and sidewalk and lighting maintenance programs. Staff responded that a Westside park allocation of $250,000 exists in the current budget and that larger acquisitions or developments are listed in the program’s future funding column; staff also said a citywide sidewalk assessment is underway (20% of sidewalks reviewed per year, with remediation to follow) and that Joanne Street bike‑trail lighting replacement would be expensive and is a future CIP candidate.
Public comment included a request from a Westside resident and a preservation advocate urging the commission and council to accelerate funding for Westside park development and better maintenance for Fairview Park features.
The commission’s action is a statutorily required finding under state law that a jurisdiction’s CIP conforms to its General Plan; the resolution will be included in the budget materials before the City Council. The commission’s finding does not itself appropriate funds; budget and bond issuance decisions remain the council’s prerogative.
