RA1963/10/29REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
October 29, 1963 (10:00 A.M.)
Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency was called pursuant to notice of said meeting
sent by the Secretary.
PRESENT: Mr. Dutton, Mr. Schutte, Mr. Krein and Chairman Coons.
ABSENT: Mr. Chandler.
PRESENT: SECRETARY: Dene M. Williams.
PLANNING DIRECTOR: Richard Reese.
SENIOR PLANNER, URBAN RENEWAL: Clarence Dingman,
BUILDING DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lester King.
MEMBERS OF URBAN RENEWAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESENT:
Harry I. Horn, Chairman
Laurence R. Henderson
James L. Morris
J. W. DeDapper
Meeting was called to order by Chairman Coons.
REPORT: Chairman Harry Horn presented report to the Redevelopment Agency from
the Urban Renewal Advisory Committee, dated October, 1963 (copies furnished
each member of the Redevelopment Agency).
Mr. Horn advised that the Urban Renewal Advisory Committee was
appointed September 1961, that the objective of the Committee was to assist
the Redevelopment Agency in exploring whether or not, first, a need for
urban renewal existed in the City of Anaheim, and second, whether or not
the use of urban renewal was feasible.
He further reported that regular meetings have been held, under-
taking a program of research including the analysis of the Committee, using
the 1960 Census of Housing; that ninety -seven per cent of the housing in
Anaheim is good, however 928 dwelling units were found to be in a dilapidated
or a deteriorating state; that these units are generally located in the down-
town area. Seventy per cent of the housing has been built since 1950, and
seventy -five per cent of the homes have an average value of $17,200.00.
In their field studies, two areas were noted: First, the Patt
Street area, and Secondly, the area west of Atchison Street, south of
Sycamore Street. These areas were found to be blighted neighborhoods.
Study was also given to undeveloped open land areas and narrow,
deep lots. Study was given to the center city area, including studies on
conditions of structures, retail sales, age of buildings, assessed valuation,
and amount of new investment.
In conclusion, Mr. Horn reported on behalf of the Committee, that
there was a definite need for a formal urban renewal program in the City of
Anaheim; that this need is in three areas:
1. City -Wide
(A) Recommend adoption of new State Housing Program.
(B) Establish fair Code enforcement program.
2. Explore use of urban renewal for development of deep lot,
open land areas.
3. Because of increased work load and legal questions, appoint
a separate Redevelopment Agency.
Redevelopment Agency, October 29, 1963, Continued:
Mr, Horn further advised that Redevelopment Agency should
study the problems in the Patt Street area, the relocation of residents;
the re -use potential of land and development of a suitable urban renewal
plan.
In the center city area, planning and action should be developed,
as the area is not fulfilling its potential. Mr. Horn noted several points
wherein the City Center area is depreciating, and advised that in the opinion
of the Committee, these conditions can not be corrected on an individual
basis.
Mr. Horn further reported that in accordance with City Council
authorization, the Committee has interviewed Planning Consultants and
Traffic Engineers, and that four firms were considered, and it was the
recommendation of the Committee that the firm of Victor Gruen and Associates
be employed to undertake Center City planning, and also recommended that a
representative committee be appointed to work with them.
Mr. Horn stated that in his opinion, when the facts are known
and the public realizes the existing facts, the planned program will be
acceptable.
He further advised that the next step would be an Agency to start
with education,informing property owners and working with them towards the
planned program.
Discussion was held concerning enforcement of Building Codes.
Mr. DeDapper stated that the three groupings referred to in the
report of the downtown area were very conservative, and if reported according
to the experts assisting the Committee, a much bleaker picture would have
been presented. Regarding hardship created, he was of the opinion that the
entire population of the city was more significant than an individual hard-
ship based on a very conservative definition of what constitutes poor
buildings in the downtown area. He further advised that some of the buildings
could be remodeled and brought up to Code, but that this would not be the
entire answer; that the proposed plan would be a long -term program, and in
his opinion, the citizens of Anaheim will actively support the program.
It was agreed by all that the program would take concerted effort
on the part of everyone, and require a great deal of education to the
public.
Mr. Dingman reported that the recommendation of the Committee
that cooperative effort between government and local people be undertaken,
was in his opinion a key factor to the success of the program.
In answer to Mr. Schutte °s questioning, Mr. Murdoch reported on
the recent inspection of buildings in the 100 block north of Center Street,
where it was found that deficiency lies not only in the structural qualities
of the buildings, but in the area of fire hazard, particularly those build-
ings being used for residential purposes. Electrical and plumbing
deficiencies were found, and all of these problems become an economic
problem to the owner of the property.
Concerning the recommended appointment of a separate redevelopment
agency, Mr. Coons referred to advice received in 1961, wherein the broad
powers of such a Committee was explained. His personal opinion was that
such authority should not be delegated to such an appointed group, who were
not directly responsible to the people.
Mr. Dutton concurred with the position taken by Mr. Coons, and
further stated that in his opinion, the City has taken a reasonable approach
to the problem, and felt that the owners of properties involved should be
informed that the City has taken this positive approach.
Mr. Frank Hotchkiss, Director of Planning, representing Victor
Gruen and Associates, addressed the Agency at the invitation of Mr. Coons,
advising that their proposal encompassed the entire City, especially the
triangle between the three freeways, and includes land use planning, traffic
pattern planning, revitalization, rebuilding, etc.
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Redevelopment Agency, October 29, 1963, Continued:
Mr. Hotchkiss further advised that their proposals would bring other possible
action, rather than redevelopment projects, such as modification of freeway
interchanges, possible designation of new land uses in the Center City area,
designation of investment opportunities, etc,
Mr. Hotchkiss referred to the progress made by the City of Fresno,
which began their program in 1958,
In answer to a question, Mr. Hotchkiss reported that the City of
Fresno used some Federal Urban Renewal programming, and further stated that
if revitalization can be accomplished without the federal program, in his
opinion it should be done without the federal program; but that this situa-
tion varies in every city, depending upon conditions. Every action that
the agency takes has to be approved by the City Council, before it can go
forward. The federal government checks the methods aimed at, insuring that
local government does approve, and that the rights of the individuals are
protected before making grants.
Mr. Coons suggested that the report be further studies, and that
another meeting be scheduled, which would allow Mr. Chandler, who is on
vacation, an opportunity to offer his comments on the plan.
At the conclusion of the discussion, on motion by Mr. Schutte,
seconded by Mr. Dutton, November 19, 1963, 10:00 A.M. was tentatively
scheduled as the date and hour to reconvene to further consider the report
submitted by the Urban Renewal Advisory Committee. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Coons commended the committee on the tremendous job done,
representing considerable time and effort, and stated that the City of
Anaheim owes the committee a great deal of gratitude.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Krein moved to adjourn. Mr. Dutton seconded the motion.
MOTION CARRIED.
SIGNED:
Secretary, Urban Renewal Agency