Over the objections of Costa Mesa officials, the Orange County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved moving a mental healthcare clinic within the city into a former sober-living facility.
Costa Mesa staff supported the move of the Orange County Health Care Agency’s move from 3115 Red Hill Ave. to 2801 Bristol St., but the city’s planning commission opposed it. Several neighbors also opposed the move at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
The agency provides behavioral health services for children and adults at the 12,093-square-foot office space on Red Hill. But county officials determined they needed more space, so they signed a 15-year lease for 15,518 square feet on Bristol Street.
County officials say the new offices are “centrally located” for clients in the Newport-Mesa area.
Supervisor Michelle Steel said the proposal was previously delayed “to address community concerns,” but could not be put off any longer.
“This lease has been proposed because the county has been in the current building for 30 years and because of the declining conditions and the need for more therapy rooms,” she said.
Steel emphasized that the agency will not be running a sober-living facility at the site.
“It will not bring in other people from around the county,” Steel said. “It will simply transfer over the same services that have been provided down the street for over 30 years.”
The clinic mostly serves children with behavioral and mental health issues, Steel said.
The agency’s clinic conforms with the city’s general plan, officials said.