RA1976/06/2976 -11
Anaheim Redevelopment Agency - June 29, 1976, 1 :00 P.M.
It was suggested that at the conclusion of any business before
the Redevelopment Agency and Housing Authority, both meetings be
recessed to a time following the City Council meeting today, in
order that the proposed Agency and Authority Budgets for 1976 --77
may be considered at that time.
REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REDIRECTION: With reference to the redir-
ection of the Redevelopment Program as announced at the City
71 Cou €Zcil meeting held June 22, 1976, Mr. Seymour reported he had
received a number of calls from business people and property owners
in the area of Redevelopment Project Alpha requesting clarification.
He*noted that in no way should the redirection be interpreted as
a "slow- down" of the redevelopment process or as indicating a
lesser effort will be made. He was of the opinion that instead,
it will be a catalyst to help accomplish those projects which are
achievable and will direct the redevelopment effort away from
tourist- oriented development and toward a high emphasis on new
residential along with the maintenance of residential neighbor-
hoods. The projects currently under negotiation, such as the
Village Center and the senior citizens residential facility,
should be more viable than before.
Mr. Seymour further advised that while the previous approach
to redevelopment in the downtown area was to work with outside
developers, the new emphasis is to deal with the redevelopment area
as it exists, working on a one -to -one basis with people involved
who live or do business in the area.
At the invitation of Mr. Seymour, Mr. Larry Ulvestad, one of
the principals of the Village Center Project, stated that at
Anaheim Savings and Loan there have been some m_xed emotions per -
taining to the scope and scale of redevelopment in the downtown
area, and he expressed a sense of relief that the previous direc-
tion has been reversed. The concept of neighborhoods and involve-
ment of individuals in this project should be the more preeminent
consideration, and determination of the scope and scale of the
redevelopment effort would allow the natural progression of physi-
cal structures to follow. He noted the concern that many have
that the redirection might lead to a failure of momentum in cer-
tain aspects of the project, however, he advised that Anaheim
Savings and Loan wholly supports the change in direction.
Mr. Ulvestad further noted that their concern has been di-
rected toward the residential housing stock in the area, rather
than commercial, and bringing competitive retail services back
into what once was the retail focus of North Orange County.
Anaheim Savings and Loan has held in abeyance many of its programs
regarding housing stock, and in his opinion, those residential
areas are dependent upon returning some viability to a retail
focus, in order that certain basic community support institutions,
including lenders, will be able to expand their programs.
Mr. Ulvestad expressed concern about'a proposed reduction in
the Community Development Department staff and felt that an in-
crease should be strongly considered in order to accomplish the
tremendous amount of work ahead in a short period of time. In
his opinion, de- elopers who have expressed an interest in the area
would interpret a staff reduction as a negative signal. He was
of the opinion that it was important for the City to reiterate
its intention with respect to the location of the new City Hall,
76 -12
Anaheim Redevelopment AZency - June 29, 1976, 1:00 P.M.
and reminded the Agency Members of Anaheim Sevings and Loan's
previous expression in favor of preserving the facility in the
downtown area. He felt that the question of the possible rerout-
ing of Lincoln Avenue should be answered as a natural outcome of
the theme to be established.
In conclusion, Mr. Ulvestad advised that the current debate
and consensus- forming period is healthy, and even more leadership
from the Redevelopment Agency and City Council will be required
to bring the consensus into focus and alleviate some doubts and
concerns. _
Chairman Thom expressed appreciation for Mr. Ulvestad's
remarks and advised that the Agency Members look-at the redirect-
ion as an acceleration of immediate and future projects such as
the Village Center, Shapell Government Housing, and Commercial
Block "A ", with no loss of momentum to the redevelopment process.
The entire thrust was to emphasize these viable projects ant. it
was anticipated that the increased attention in that directiQ,
possibly would require fewer staff members.
Mr. Seymour noted that at a recent Steering Committee meeting,
the committee members determined to meet three afternoons each
wee';.., which is an indication of the commitment on their part. He
was of the opinion that this redirection would have little or no
impact on the location of the future new City Hall, however, the
proposed location would remain within the redevelopment project
area. Concerning staff reductions, it was intended to gear the
Redevelopment staff to a "lean machine" which would primarily con-
tract for outside services, such as property agents, whose services
would be required for limited periods only. He remained confident
that some solid staff reduction could be effected without any
slowing of the momentum of the program.
Mrs. Kay expressed the opinion that the Redevelopment
Agency Members should review the position taken on the redirection
of the redevelopment program from the standpoint mentioned by
Mr. Ulvestad, i.e., that developers would take this new direction
as a negative signal.
Mr. Seymour reported that a meeting was scheduled June 30,
1976, with Mr. Ulvestadland other principals of the proposed
Village Center to discuss location of their proposed project,
and it was his hope that this meeting would lead to a series of
on -going meetings until results were realized. He pointed out there
is a need to demonstrate to developers that this re- energizing is
taki- place, and Anaheim can meet their needs.
Chairman Thom and Mr. Seymour expressed appreciation to
Mr. Ulvestad for his comments.
a
JOINT MEETING - P.A.C. AND COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Pursuant to a request by the Project Area Committee (P.A.C.) to hold
a joint meeting with the Redevelopment Agency this evening, which
was precluded by a scheduled public hearing before the City Council
at that time, Mr. Seymour suggested that said meeting be rescheduled
for Thursday, July 1, 1976, 7:30 P.M., in the City Council Chamber,
and include Community Redevelopment Commission.
Members of the Redevelopment Agency concurred, indicating that
if this date and time is acceptable to the other two bodies, the
Agency would adjourn this meeting to that date.
76 -13
Anaheim Redevelopment Agency - June 29, 1976 P.M.
RECESS: Mrs. Kaywood moved to recess to a time after the Council
meeting this afternoon to consider the proposed 1976 -77 Redevel-
opment Budget. Mr. Seymour seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
(1:23 P.M.)
AFTER RECESS: Chairman Thom reconvened the meeting of the Redevel-
opment Agency at 5:37 P.M.
1976 -77 BUDGET - REDEVELOPMENT: On motion by Mr. Seymour, seconded
by Mr. Tbtom, the proposed 1976 -77 Budget for the Community Develop-
ment Department, Redevelopment, was approved as amended. (See
June 29, 1976, Council minutes for discussion.) Mr. Kott tempor-
arily absent. MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Seymour moved to adjourn to Thursday, July 1, 1976,
7:30 P.M., in the Council Chamber. Mr. Thom seconded the motion.
Mr. Kott temporarily absent. MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNED: 5 :38 P.M.
ALONA M. HOUGARD, SECRETARY
SIGNED: , EPUTY