Public Meeting Set on El Toro Reuse Plan

Orange County planners will hold a public meeting tonight to present development alternatives for the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, including one that has drawn ire in this community: building a major international airport.

Project planners will present three major options for the air base at a 7 p.m. meeting at the South Orange County Assn. Board of Realtors, 25552 La Paz Road.

The meeting is aimed at informing the public and getting input on the options, which are:

* A plan to build an airport about the size of San Francisco International that will average about 50 takeoffs and landings per hour around the clock;

* A proposal for a mixed-use development that would include a school or university, a theme park or sports complex and other business, recreational or residential uses;

* An air freight airport that would handle about 960,000 tons of cargo per year.

Laguna Hills sits at the heart of South County opposition to the county’s base conversion plans. Many residents suspect the county will only approve an airport; county officials say all three options will be given equal consideration. Information: (714) 834-5255.