31 (225)
Susana Barrios
From:Mel Zuidema <justmelz1@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, October
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Deer Canyon Concerns
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed 498-unit Deer Canyon apartment
complex in Anaheim Hills. While I recognize the need to address Southern California’s housing
challenges, this particular development on the 76-acre wilderness area off Santa Ana Canyon Road
raises several critical issues that would negatively impact our community and environment.
1. Increased Traffic, Noise, and Pollution: The proposed development would significantly increase traffic
on Santa Ana Canyon Road, directly affecting families who live along or near the route. Currently, the
noise and smog from the nearby 91 Freeway already impact residents, and this additional traffic burden
would exacerbate the issue, diminishing our community’s quality of life. Our neighborhoods cannot
endure the worsening conditions that this development would impose.
2. Destruction of Local Wildlife Habitat: The Deer Canyon area is home to various wildlife species, whose
habitats would be destroyed by this speculative project. This natural area serves as a vital sanctuary for
these species, and the proposed development would result in the irreversible loss of biodiversity and
disrupt the ecological balance of the region.
3. Loss of Vegetation Benefiting Air Quality: The vegetation in Deer Canyon plays an essential role in
filtering the air, helping mitigate smog from the 91 Freeway. When freeway congestion increases, many
vehicles, including heavy trucks, exit on Imperial Highway and take the winding route through our area to
bypass traffic, adding even more pollution. Removing this vegetation would have direct, adverse effects
on air quality for Anaheim Hills residents.
4. Increased Safety Risks in a High-Risk Zone: Adding nearly 500 units in Anaheim Hills raises serious
safety concerns. Our area sits near the San Andreas Fault, increasing the risk of structural failure and
significant danger during earthquakes. Additionally, Anaheim Hills is at high risk for wildfires, and the
increased population density would complicate evacuation during emergencies, putting lives at risk.
Developing in a high-risk area like this is simply not prudent, as it would likely result in complex and
potentially hazardous evacuation scenarios.
In light of these concerns, I urge the City Council to reconsider the Deer Canyon apartment project. The
long-term impacts on traffic, environmental stability, air quality, and resident safety in Anaheim Hills
should be prioritized over speculative real estate interests.
1
Rather than contribute to overdevelopment in a sensitive area, I hope the Council will focus on
sustainable, well-considered solutions that genuinely address the housing crisis without compromising
the integrity of our community.
Thank you for considering these comments. I appreciate your commitment to listening to the voices of
Anaheim residents.
Sincerely,
Melanie Zuidema
Anaheim Hills, CA 92808
2