Public Land for the Public Good

Since the passage of Measure W on March 5^th, there have been constant speculation swirling around the reuse of the former MCAS EL Toro.

Word out of San Diego and Washington D.C. contemplated the return of the Marines – either by Miramar abandoning their facilities for El Toro or with the relocation of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot to the former base. There were scant details regarding both of these scenarios, the specific information of the feasibility had yet to emerge.

There have been rumors about the Orange County Fair moving to the base and expanding their operations to provide for growth. There is talk that the current fairgrounds could be sold to facilitate this move and provide the infrastructure for a new fair.

Furthered by our encouragement, Cal State Fullerton submitted a public benefit conveyance application to the U.S. Department of Education. Their application asks for 400 acres to be dedicated to a permanent El Toro campus. Currently, CSUF has entered into an interim lease with the County and is expecting to begin limited classes at El Toro this fall.

Additionally, we heard some Members of Congress were interested in a land swap involving base housing to be constructed around Camp Pendleton in exchange for private development at El Toro. Also rumored was a plan crafted by the City of Irvine outlining a reuse strategy that includes annexation and combines open space and other public uses with mixed commercial development. Even Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) was said to be interested in leasing the base from the Department of Navy to develop an airport at El Toro and relieve congestion at LAX. Closer to home, the McGowan/Griffin V-plan was still inserting itself and the Friends of the Commissary breathed new life with the Marines potential return.

As soon as our schedules would allow, we traveled to Washington, D.C. to discuss the future of the former MCAS El Toro with the White House, Pentagon and other federal agencies. In a meeting with the Pentagon on April 4^th, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, H.T. Johnson, outlined the Department of the Navy’s position in the wake of Measure W. The Navy, believing they have met all obligations for El Toro under the Base Realignment and Closure Act over the last nine years, is clearly intent on divesting itself of the El Toro property without further delay.

The most likely scenario, as the Navy sees it, is to utilize the General Services Agency (GSA) as its real estate agent and dispose of the property through a bid sale process. The Navy made it very clear that they have no interest in reconstituting the Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA), comprised of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and every intention of having the County of Orange involved in the disposal of El Toro. Secretary Johnson was unmistakable in his message, "Everyone is welcome to visit and we will listen, but the Navy is only dealing with one entity, the LRA".

In an April 3rd meeting with the Marine Corps Commandant, General Jim Jones, we sought clarification for the rumors pertaining to the relocation of the Marines to El Toro. General Jones outlined the potential of relocating the Marine Corps Recruitment Depot from San Diego to El Toro as a concept currently being contemplated by the Marines and some Members of Congress.

He stated his interest in 1,300 acres in an attempt to remove the limitations confining the Marines on their current 388 acres adjacent to Lindbergh Field in San Diego. The Marines have been told they must make this decision prior to the release of the Navy Record of Decision (ROD) on April 23^rd. The response of Orange County residents is essential to a final decision on a relocation process. We agreed to gauge the reaction of the local community regarding this prospect and report back to the Commandant as soon as practical. Subsequent to our meeting, General Jones was promoted to be the Commander and Chief of U.S. forces in Europe. It remains to be seen what effect this will have on the prospect of the Marines returning to El Toro.

Today, there remains many questions about the form and fashion, the how and when things will transpire over the base. We are faced with new terms involving a negotiated sale and the GSA. We do know that, as the County, our involvement is necessary, but the exact conditions are vague.

In the interim, the County is midway through a five-year Master Lease with the Navy (it expires in August 2005), which includes leases for several agricultural parcels, a large RV/boat storage lot, equestrian center, golf course, childcare facilities, and Cal State Fullerton. The Navy has yet to specify what exactly will happen with these leases. During a meeting immediately following the election between Orange County Supervisors and the DON, it was understood the Navy would absolve the County of this Master Lease and its legal and financial obligations and honor the County’s existing tenants and lessees.

Subsequent to our recent trip to Washington, it is now clear that if the Navy were to take control over the Master Lease it would be with the sole purpose of facilitating the sale of the property through the GSA process. The Navy stated they would consider honoring our existing leases and tenants should the Master Lease be terminated. The specifics and a timeline for a Navy termination of the Lease have yet to surface.

Absent specific details, the County has decided not to sit back and forego revenue generating opportunities, especially while the County is still financially obligated under the terms of the Master Lease. Even if the Navy did terminate the Lease and absolve the County of its responsibilities, the actual reorganization and transfer could take months to occur. Recent Board actions allows for additional revenue to be generated through agricultural leases and an operating agreement for the equestrian facility. The previous agricultural leases were significantly below market rate and the horse stables were operating at a $10,000 per month deficit. This will at least limit the County’s expenses and generate income. With regard to CSUF, we trust the Navy will expeditiously approve the University’s tenant improvement plans and pave the way for classes to begin this fall, as previously approved by the County.

There are 852 housing units sitting fallow for which we are intent on pursuing a public-private partnership. This will allow for affordable, lower income housing for residents who already work in Orange County but cannot afford to live here. In a recent newspaper article it was noted the current average rental unit in Orange County goes for $1268 per month.

We are anxious to learn more about the potential for the Orange County Fair to move to El Toro. There reportedly is a concept that could prove promising for both the County and the Fair, and accommodate the future growth of Orange County.

It is our intention to insure that a Transportation Center is developed in conjunction with and adjacent to the Irvine Transportation Center on El Toro property north of the major rail lines. The property would be a hub for multi-modal transportation and include maintenance facilities for the Metrolink commuter rail, the proposed CenterLine light rail project, as well as an additional bus yard for the Orange County Transportation Authority – the fastest growing bus system in the country.

We are intent on expanding badly needed County facilities including a new Orangewood’s Children’s Home for abused and neglected children, and the Probation Office’s Youth and Family Resource Center. The County has a number of departmental requests to be considered as well for potential public benefit conveyances, including Probation, Health Care, Social Services and the Sheriff’s Department.

And, there remains additional details and other related information expected to be generated by the City of Irvine over the coming weeks.

Despite our battles and opposing opinions in the past over the reuse of El Toro as a commercial airport, our intent is clear for the County to emerge unified in an effort to maximize the public benefits associated with the reuse of El Toro.

The Navy is on course to meet its previously stated deadline of April 23^rd and issue a ROD that will outline the ultimate reuse for El Toro. The White House has indicated that the County has the support from the Bush Administration to work towards a local consensus and move on.

Whatever the outcome, whether private sale or public transfer, we are steadfast in our objective and approach. We will not allow any gaps and/or opportunities for future Boards or future City Councils to bend under the pressure of special interests to change any agreements we will be putting in place over the ensuing months to insure the public’s benefit for years to come. It is our joint intention to firm up the future of the base through legally binding agreements, which will withstand private, personal, or political agendas now and in the future on behalf of the public trust.

Supervisor Tom Wilson is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and a leading opponent of the proposed airport at El Toro. Chuck Smith is the Supervisor of the First District and a leading advocate for the County’s airport plan.