ETRPA SELECTS URBAN LIFESTLYLE PLAN TO DEVELOP INTO NON-AVIATION USE FOR EL TORO

FEBRUARY 4, 1998 — The El Toro Reuse Planning Authority (ETRPA) today selected the Urban Lifestlye Plan, one of three conceptual land use plans developed after four months of intensive community-based input sessions.

More than 100 volunteers including representatives from major businesses, developers, professional associations and interested citizens joined ETRPA’s Coordinating Review Committee to give input into ETRPA’s process. The resulting concept plans were based on this public input and information learned in two surveys by UCI and ETRPA’s commissioned poll by Public Opinion Strategies. The final concept was refined by a professional planning team headed by Cotton/Beland Associates, Inc. Called the Urban Lifestyle Plan, ETRPA believes it offers a better vision for Orange County and MCAS/El Toro in particular because it focuses on uses that will enhance the living environment for all county residents while providing economic vitality and quality jobs.

The Urban Lifestyle Plan has two major areas of emphasis. The first is on open space, with 50 percent of the property devoted to parks and recreation including the nature preserve. The second main focus is on education and technology. The plan will be designed to enhance the synergy between learning centers, research and emerging technology-based companies. Through this effort, ETRPA believes their plan will generate 35,000 - 46,000 jobs on site and 75,000 -87,000 jobs throughout the county.

In addition to the open space, technology and education, the Urban Lifestyle Plan will also include components of sports and theme entertainment areas plus integrated areas offering housing with commercial/retail support.

Between now and April 3, when ETRPA must present the plan to the County Board of Supervisors acting as the Local Reuse Authority, the organization will be completing detailed traffic studies, economic analysis, refining land use plans and other specifics of the plan.

The professional planning team was managed by Cotton/Beland Associates, Inc., and included the following consultants: BV Engineering, Black & Veach, The Concord Group, RKJK Traffic consultants, SEMA Associates, and BRW.