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07 & 08 (172) Public Comment From:Jonathan Hughes <hughesj@scag.ca.gov> Sent:Tuesday, September 29, 2020 9:27 AM To:Public Comment Cc:Kome Ajise; Kevin J. Gilhooley; Trevor O'Neil; Justin Glover; Susan Kim Subject:SCAG Support Letter - Anaheim Stadium Development Attachments:2020-09-29 - SCAG Support Letter - Anaheim Stadium Development.pdf To Whom It May Concern: Attached please find a letter from Kome Ajise, Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), regarding support for the proposed Anaheim stadium development. This letter is provided for purposes of public comment on this agenda item at tonight’s meeting of the Anaheim City Council. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you need additional information. Thank you, Jonathan Jonathan T. Hughes, MBA Regional Affairs Officer, Orange County 2020 Scholarship Program Tel: (213) 236-1997 | Cell: ( hughesj@scag.ca.gov SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS OCTA Building, 600 S. Main St., Ste. 741, Orange, CA 92868 1 September 29, 2020 Mayor Harry Sidhu Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Faessel Councilmember Denise Barnes Councilmember Jordan Brandman Councilmember Jose Moreno Councilmember Lucille Kring Anaheim City Hall 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 Subject: SUPPORT for Anaheim Stadium Development Proposal to bring 5,175 housing units, including 777 integrated affordable housing units to the region. Dear Mayor Sidhu, Mayor Pro Tem Faessel, and Councilmembers: On behalf of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), I am pleased to write in support of the Anaheim Stadium Development proposal. Founded in 1965, SCAG is a joint powers authority of local government agencies serving as a forum for collaborative and efficient solutions to complex regional issues housing need. The Anaheim Stadium Development would bring 5,175 housing units to the City of Anaheim, a significant benefit for Anaheim and the entire regionwhich disproportionately suffers from the -burdened and over-crowding housing rates. On September 3, 2020 the SCAG Regional Council voted to adopt the Connect SoCal, which is 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy. Connect SoCal was the result of four years of planning during which the elected leadership, member agencies, and staff heard the concerns and needs of numerous stakeholders as it pertained to issues such as long range mobility and housing needs, and balancing them with economic, environmental, and public health goals. SCAG supports the Anaheim Stadium Development proposal due to its innovative solutions and the timely inclusion of so many progressive land-use elements, which the Connect SoCal also identifies as public policy priorities. Page | 1 of 2 The Anaheim Stadium Development proposal, sitting at the doorstep of the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), offers an important mobility solution not only for those who will be new residents to the area, but also for those who will visit the new destination for work, entertainment or sporting events, or other planned commercial activities. In terms of local, regional, and state efforts to combat climate change and reduce congestion by providing an alternative to driving alone. In addition, the project location is also within short commute from many job opportunities within Anaheim and nearby cities. affordable housing units, makes this proposal stand out as a regional example. Housing in proximity to transit options and with easy access to jobs is a key strategy to achieve improved gas reduction goals. The addition of nearly 15 acres of total parkland, including a seven-acre urban park, further addresses and guests. This development enhancement is consistent with the strategy, which supports projects that enhance and expand neighborhood parks, establish green streets and alleyways, develop non-motorized urban trails and provide safe routes between residences, workspaces, and commercial centers, and mitigate urban heat islands. For the reasons outlined above, SCAG supports the proposed Stadium Development Plan. This development would be beneficial to the City of Anaheim and the entire SCAG region as it fulfills important regional goals identified in Connect SoCal. Sincerely, Kome Ajise Executive Director Page | 2 of 2