During a contentious marathon meeting on September 27th, the Irvine City Council approved two controversial long-term contracts for facilities to be built in the Great Park.

On two 4-1 votes (Councilmember Larry Agran voted NO), the Council — sitting as the Great Park Board — approved a 40-year deal with USA Water Polo to occupy part of a proposed $80 million water polo & aquatic center; and a 50-year deal with Live Nation to operate a proposed $130 million, 14,000-seat outdoor amphitheater.

The actions came despite objections from residents that the agreements and supporting information totaling more than 600 pages were made public just a week before the Council meeting and were being pushed through without public review or input by the City’s Finance Commission, Planning Commission or Transportation Commission.