But in three successive votes that split the council, 3-2, council members opted not to charge developers fees to pay for affordable housing, public art or libraries. Dixon and Councilwoman Katrina Foley were on the losing side of those votes.
Several members of the recently formed Costa Mesa Housing Coalition, a group of community members, gave a presentation pointing out the disparity between housing costs and some public employee salaries. "It would be difficult for a teacher or city staff to even afford a one-bedroom apartment in our community," coalition member Crissy Brooks said.
The presentation included a list of other cities — such as Irvine, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach — that require developers to pay a fee if they don't build affordable housing
But Mayor Allan Mansoor, Councilman Eric Bever and Councilwoman Wendy Leece said the city shouldn't compel developers to pay for affordable housing.
"I don't believe that it's our duty as government to impose another burden on them to solve the housing problems," Leece said. "I believe the market can do that."
The council's decision overrode the county Airport Land Use Commission's rejection of the plans in December.
City Manager Allan Roeder noted that Federal Aviation Administration and John Wayne Airport officials have signed off on the projects.
The Californian at Town Center, 580 Anton Blvd., is the farthest along in planning and won final approval Tuesday. It will replace the Lakes Pavilions Retail Center with two 25-story towers.
