Monumental Decisions on Tap for Great Park Board Meeting – September 27, 2022

  • September 26, 2022, 9:31 am America/Los_Angeles

Great Park Board Agenda

Look at highlights from the 600+ page Great Park Board Special Meeting Agenda, set for Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 3:00 pm. This agenda is packed with important items, all recommended for approval.

Item 3.1– USA Water Polo Aquatic Facility Memorandum of Understanding and Partnership Use Agreement

  • Irvine taxpayer-funded costs could range from approximately $50 to $80 million.
  • USA Water Polo will contribute $12 million
  • USA Water Polo exclusive use of 10,000 sq feet of the 5-acre facility
  • USA Water Polo has 25-30% exclusive use of the entire facility on event dates of their choosing
  • City responsible for Construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility

Item 3.2 – GP Amphitheater Form, Design, Construction, and Operating Agreement with LiveNation Worldwide, Inc.

  • 14,000 seat, 25-acre amphitheater located next to the intersection of Great Park Boulevard and Skyhawk [see image below]
  • The 30-year lease with LiveNation, with extensions totaling 50 years
  • Irvine taxpayer-funded cost $130 mil with LiveNation contributing $20 million
  • No traffic study reviewed by Irvine Transportation Commission
  • LiveNation must program at least 25 shows per year
  • No information on naming rights
  • No independent financial review was provided in the reports
  • Mayor Khan and Councilmember Carroll are on the Sub-Committee to negotiate deal with LiveNation
  • City Responsibility: Construction of the facility, maintenance of structures and major building systems, and provision of adequate parking. The city is also responsible for building another parking lot (4,500 spaces)
The proposed new location of the Amphitheater

Item 3.3 – Contract and Budget Appropriation for the GP Framework Plan Landscape and Civil Engineering Design Services

  • Approximately $17 mil for landscape design and civil engineer services
  • 28-acre library and veterans memorial garden complex. A library on ARDA land?
  • 38-acre parking and maintenance complex.
  • “Staff is finalizing a budget and phasing schedule for the Framework Plan that will identify sources and use of funds….” – City Staff Report.
  • No plans for ARDA demolition and site cleanup despite being voted on earlier this year

Item 3.4 – Request by Chairwoman Khan to Extend the Great Park Resident Task Force for an Additional Six Months

  • The proposed six-month extension of the 15-member Task Force
  • Internal divisions reportedly cause a slew of resignations from members

For information on how to participate [e-comment or live zoom public comment], go to the city website here.