01 & 14 (222)Public Comment
From:
H Garten <
Sent:
Monday, April 26, 2021 6:54 PM
To:
Harry Sidhu (Mayor); Jose Moreno; Stephen Faessel; Jordan Brandman; Jennifer Diaz;
Avelino Valencia; Trevor O'Neil
Cc:
Public Comment
Subject:
4/27/21 Approve Housing Authority Agenda Item 1 and City Council Agenda item 14
Good morning Mayor Sidhu and Esteemed City Council Members,
I urge you to support and approve Housing Authority Agenda Item 1 and City Council Agenda item 14 which will be
before you tomorrow, Tuesday, April 27.
The Cultural Arts building is a valuable community asset and should be preserved and protected. Yes it doesn't appear
on any lists or historic resources, but it is none the less a valuable and loved facility. 10 years ago no one considered mid
century homes "historic". They are widely considered among the most precious and revered resources in a city's housing
stock. Per the staff report this building has served multiple uses and has served the community of Anaheim for over half
a century. It is now home to the Anaheim Ballet, an organization that has provided a much needed service to youth of
our community for over 20 years. Especially for our youth as the hip hop classes were very popular with my children.
Yes, we need senior housing, however, we also need space for non-profit service providers and community groups to
engage the community in general and the especially the youth of Anaheim. The Cultural Arts building and the Anaheim
Ballet do just that. There must be a way to accomplish both goals: provide affordable senior housing and preserve this
valuable city asset while continuing to provide a home to the Anaheim Ballet so they can continue their much needed
and widely support programs engaging Anaheim's youth.
These two items on the agenda covering this issue would give staff and city leadership time to consider options and
allow the Anaheim Ballet to continue their programs. The community has already shown widespread support for both
the preservation of the Cultural Arts Building and for the Anaheim Ballet. With Covid-19 restrictions being lifted and
activities opening up again after a very long hiatus we need this program and programs like it more than ever. And we
need assets like the Cultural Arts building which provide homes for these services.
A best case scenario can be achieved with a concerted effort and cooperation between city staff, elected officials, non-
profit providers, and the community.
Please support Housing Authority Agenda Item 1 and City Council Agenda Item 14 and buy us the time to do just that.
Sincerely,
Marcia, Steve and Warren Garten
Anaheim Ca 92805