The 1,600 acres that compose the Tustin Legacy neighborhood, land that once was a former military base in the heart of the city, has been slowly developed over the years.
The redevelopment has led to the creation of The District shopping mall, the OC Animal Care shelter, other community facilities, homes, schools and parks.
Nearly a year ago, one of the city’s icons that stood on some of the land, the World War II-era north blimp hangar, burned down. There are lingering questions about the ultimate fate of the remaining south hangar, which the city has a lease to use, and the future use of the north hangar land once the cleanup from the fire is completed.
The newspaper asked each of the candidates for the Tustin City Council their thoughts on the future of the hangar properties as part of its voter guide for the November election.
District 4 candidate Lana Clay lives near the now-burnt north hangar. She said public safety and environmental responsibility must be a top consideration for any redevelopment plans.
On the south hangar: “(We) have a unique opportunity to create something that benefits the entire community — whether that’s through green spaces, cultural centers or other community-focused developments. It’s also important that we preserve some of the historic elements in honor of our veterans, ensuring their service remains a vital part of our community’s future.
Clay said she expected more communication from city leadership during and following the fire.
Current planning commissioner and District 1 candidate Tanner Douthit said the north hangar site should be preserved as a public park that showcases the area’s history.
“It’s essential that future generations have the opportunity to learn about the profound impact the North Hangar had on our city and country,” Douthit said. “This park would also honor the great sacrifices made by Tustin veterans in service to their country, ensuring their legacy is remembered and appreciated by those who follow.”
As for the south hangar, Douthit said it should be opened up to the public and presented ideas such as an interactive museum with restaurants and spaces for children to play.
Bill Esbit, who’s running in District 2, said the former military base is already being redeveloped to have housing, parks and other uses. The south hangar, Esbit said, could become a place for concerts, sports or other events.
Lee Fink said the city should immediately develop and implement a community-based plan for reusing the south hangar and the former north hangar’s land. Fink said it is negligent that the current City Council did not meet as the local reuse authority for three years to discuss redevelopment plans.
“I will immediately ask that the city have a series of well-publicized, broadcast and streamed meetings for reuse of the legacy area and recruit an advisory committee of community members, to develop a vision,” Fink, who’s running in District 1, said.
The north hangar site could house the “the first fully functioning VA hospital in Orange County,” Fink suggested, and the south hangar “is an ideal location for a motion picture studio, an indoor recreation center or even a mixed-use complex.” But the “best idea,” Fink said, is going to come from a community-based process to determine a vision.
District 2 candidate John Nielsen said before any talks about future uses for the land take place, the Navy needs to clear the land completely of soil contaminants. The vast part of what remains of the former base can become parkland, Nielsen said.
And the south hangar, Nielsen said, “needs to have a reuse plan that serves the interests of the community. A developer developing residential, retail and entertainment could save the hangar, or most of it, for reuse.”
Councilmember Ryan Gallagher is running for reelection in District 4 and represents the area that includes the hangar land. He said he envisions the north hangar site becoming an open space with a monument “honoring the hangars’ history and our military past.”
“As Tustin Legacy grows, this area could also be an ideal location for a new City Hall, police station, and civic and performing arts facility,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher said he was proud the city acted quickly to support the Navy expediting the cleanup of the burnt hangar and getting full reimbursement for what the city spent. Gallagher said the Aug. 20 council meeting discussing the current and future projects for the Tustin Legacy area “marks the beginning of a broader effort to engage the public as we plan the future of these sites.”
Nathan Yeargin, a candidate in District 2’s three-way race, said the city needs to address issues brought up by the fire and ensure residents don’t have to face future health consequences.
The south hangar, Yeargin said, needs to be brought up to code. Once that’s done, he envisions the structure being repurposed as a community facility that should “mix the history of Tustin with the future ahead.”
The newspaper’s voter guide also asked the candidates questions about meeting housing needs, budgeting and what makes a good leader. Check out what they said at ocregister.com/voter-guide. The guide includes all the races on the ballots and has information about Tustin’s Measure II.
