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Susana Barrios
From:brianmcgee@roadrunner.com
Sent: AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Hills Preserve Project
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I am writing today to voice my strong opposition to the proposed SALT Development Hills
Project.
I have lived in the Deer Canyon area for 30 years, in the Belsomet development. Prior to
that I lived in Yorba Linda since 1976, so I’m quite familiar with the area.
I understand the need for more housing, however, this is NOT the location in which to do
that.
My grave concern is the prompt evacuation of the area residents for when a wildfire
occurs. I remember the Freeway Complex Fire of 2008, as my family sat in gridlock tra?ic
as we attempted to evacuate. It literally took us over two hours to make it to Lakeview
Ave! It was the exact same scenario with the Canyon 2 fire of 2017. We were sitting
ducks. Thankfully, we didn’t succumb like the poor souls in Paradise or Lahaina. And as
you know, the area population has only grown since then, however the supporting
transportation infrastructure has remained the same. It is irresponsible to add a 500+
housing unit complex (not to mention the additional businesses and support drivers).
Santa Ana Canyon is a narrow passageway bordered on the north by Yorba Linda and the
south by Anaheim Hills. The homes (on the AH side) extend to the 241. When we have a
Santa Ana wind event, it absolutely comes howling through the canyon. Literal hurricane
speed winds. The problem comes when a fire occurs out in Corona at the eastern end of
the canyon. The dry winds carry the burning embers miles. Literal miles. And that's
where the communities of Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills are in danger. We evacuate
west, away from the flames. There are only two major corridors in AH that go through the
canyon, the 91 freeway and Santa Ana Canyon Road. These currently are inadequate to
handle the needs. Adding a "dense" housing project right in the choke point of the
canyon exacerbates the already gridlock conditions.
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Your own city sta? recommends against rezoning these parcels. The Fire department
recommends against rezoning these parcels. The police department recommends
against rezoning these parcels.
I have had family members die in a house fire. You cannot imagine the horror. Please do
not approve the rezoning of this land.
Sincerely,
Brian McGee
Anaheim, CA 92808
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