Item 2 - Meghan Shigo Subject: Concerns Regarding Downtown Anaheim Rezoning and Historic Preservation
March 21, 2025
Dear Honorable Mayor and Anaheim City Council Members,
We, the undersigned residents and members of the historic preservation committee, are
writing to express our deep concerns regarding the proposed rezoning of properties in
Downtown Anaheim. We believe that this rezoning, as it currently stands, poses a
significant threat to the historical integrity of our community and the overall quality of life
for its residents.
Downtown Anaheim boasts a rich history, with many structures dating back over a
century. These buildings are not merely relics of the past; they are tangible links to our
heritage, contributing to the unique character and charm of our neighborhood. The
proposed rezoning, with its focus on increased density, raises the alarming prospect of
these historic structures being demolished to make way for new development.
We understand the need for growth and development within the city. However, we
believe that this growth should not come at the expense of our history and community
identity. The increased density resulting from the rezoning will exacerbate existing
challenges, such as traffic congestion and strain on public resources, further diminishing
the quality of life for residents in an already densely populated area.
Furthermore, we wish to emphasize that the older part of Anaheim, including our historic
districts, has traditionally served as a source of comparatively affordable housing within
the city, particularly for first-time buyers. While restoration efforts have elevated property
values in recent years, this historical role underscores the importance of respecting the
area's existing density.
To put this request in perspective, it is valuable to note that the City of Anaheim spans
just under 51 square miles (50.88 square miles), while all four historic districts combined
encompass approximately 2 square miles, or roughly 4% of the total city area. Imposing
a disproportionate increase in density on this small area will have a demonstrably
negative impact on the quality of life of its residents. A significant portion of this negative
impact will stem from the area's aging infrastructure, including inadequate and outdated
sewage and power systems, police and fire services, and public roads. Existing
systems, the oldest in the city, are already stretched to their limits.
Therefore, we respectfully request that the City Council consider the following:
● Implement Stringent Historic Preservation Guidelines: First, before any rezoning
changes are implemented, we urge the council to establish clear and robust
guidelines that protect historically significant structures and neighborhoods from
demolition or incompatible developments. In addition the city’s 4 recognized
Historic Districts should be excluded from this rezoning entirely.
● Require Historic Impact Assessments: Mandate that developers conduct
thorough historic impact assessments before any demolition or new construction
is approved in the downtown area.
● Incentivize Historic Preservation: Explore and implement programs that
incentivize the preservation and restoration of historic buildings, such as tax
credits or grants, and the expansion of the city’s existing Mills Act program.
● Community Engagement: Foster a transparent and inclusive process that actively
engages residents and stakeholders in the development and implementation of
rezoning plans.
● Density Considerations: Reevaluate the proposed density increases to ensure
they are sustainable and do not negatively impact the existing community fabric.
We believe that a balanced approach, one that respects our history while
accommodating responsible growth, is essential for the long-term well-being of our
community. We urge the City Council to prioritize the preservation of our historic
heritage and the quality of life for all Anaheim residents.
We appreciate your attention to this critical matter and look forward to a constructive
dialogue.
Sincerely,
Meghan Shigo
Anaheim Historic Preservation Committee