RA1966/09/14REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
September 14, 1966, (7:30 p.m.)
Anaheim Library
PRESENT: Mr. Pebley, Mr. Dutton, and Mr. Krein.
ABSENT: Mr. Schutte and Mr. Chandler.
PRESENT: ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER: Robert M. Davis.
SECRETARY: Dene M. Williams.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR: Alan G. Orsborn.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER: Jack Christofferson.
PLANNING SUPERVISOR: Ronald Grudinski.
ZONING SUPERVISOR: Ronald Thompson.
MEMBERS OF THE URBAN RENEWAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESENT:
Mr. Harry I. Horn, Chairman
Mr. James L. Morris.
Mr. Morris Martinet, Jr.
REPRESENTATIVES OF VICTOR GRUEN ASSOCIATES PRESENT:
Mr. Ralph J. Martin.
Mr. David Lee Nelson.
Mr. Krein called the meeting to order.
MINUTES
On motion by Mr. Dutton, seconded by Mr. Pebley, previous minutes,
being the minutes of June 9, 1964, July 21, 1964, September 15,
1964, March 16, 1965, and June 28, 1966, were approved. MOTION
CARRIED.
At the invitation of Mr. Krein, Mr. Harry Horn, Chairman of the
Urban Renewal Advisory Committee, briefly recapped the activities
of the committee over the approximate four -year period of its ex-
istence.
Reference was made to assistance rendered by the firm of Cedric A.
White, Jr. and David F. Mason, Land Appraisers; Economic Research
Associates, regarding the economic potential; and Victor Gruen
Associates, on plan of development.
Mr. Horn advised that it was the recommendation of the committee
that the plan of development as prepared by Victor Gruen Associates
be accepted.
Mr. Ralph Martin, Project Coordinator of Victor Gruen Associates,
reviewed in detail the study made representing a development plan
to 1980, encompassing approximately seven hundred acres, extending
from the Santa Ana Freeway on the west to the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe Railroad on the east; and from Sycamore Street on the
north to South Street on the south.
Mr. Martin noted the many factors responsible for the present
downtown situation, one being the advent of the freeway and free-
way systems which changed previous traffic patterns.
Mr. Martin stated that the report entitled "Center City Study" is
the final report and recommendation of the Victor Gruen Associates'
studies, and incorporates all former step reports.
Redevelopment Agency, September 14, 1966 - Continued (2)
Mr. Martin then referred to maps and charts posted on the north
wall of the meeting room, one being the recommended amendment
to the General Plan, which would be the next step to be taken
by the City Council, with precise planning on only two areas of
the seven hundred acres, the "Core Area" and the "Northeast
Quadrant ", it being understood that development would not neces-
sarily be required to adhere to the precise plan, but to the
policy of the precise plan.
Mr. Martin explained the reasons which, in their opinion, re-
vitalization of the downtown area is necessary, such as the 1
low level of sales and maintenance decline of the single - family
areas.
Explanation was given relative to traffic and traffic projection
requiring Lemon Street to become a one -way street southbound,
and Anaheim Boulevard a one -way street northbound; abandoning
portions of certain streets, and creating a new boulevard in
the vicinity of Ball Road around West Street, paralleling the
crossing of the freeway at the existing interchange, and turn-
ing in alignment of Santa Ana Street between Citron Street and
Olive Street.
A three - dimensional model was used in illustrating the proposed
plan of development, noting existing structures and projected
new buildings.
Mr. Martin stated that the key to the revitalizing effort in the
downtown area, in their opinion, is keeping the private owners
in the area, and the best approach would be by a "private develop-
ment corporation". "
A movie of the Fresno, California downtown mall was shown depict-
ing development over a period of approximately five or six years.
Mr. Martin noted the twenty -one story Del Webb Townehouse shown
in the film, and reported that approximately two years ago, when
the Anaheim City Council made the decision to proceed with the
planning of the downtown area, one of the gentlemen in attendance
was Alex Johnson, representing the Del Webb Corporation, who in-
dicated their interest in developing in this area if a plan was
established.
Mr. Krein reported on the Council's visit to the Fresno Mall and
the invitation that was extended by the Fresno officials to the
Anaheim merchants to visit the mall and contact Fresno merchants
who were in similar situations. Mr. Krein further advised that
those interested should contact Mr. Alan Orsborn, Anaheim Develop-
ment Services Director, and when sufficient interest is indicated,
arrangements will be made to visit the Fresno area.
Mrs. Mabel Masterson questioned how acquisition of the areas shown
as lakes and parks would be accomplished and further advised that
she and many other property owners would like to start remodeling
work and are hesitant pending a decision by the City Council on
the proposed plan.
Mr. Martin advised that the plan now in final form was developed
by a series of study sessions in order to receive community re-
action and to activate the plan, the next step would be an amend-
ment to the General Plan by the Anaheim City Council.
Redevelopment Agency, September 14, 1966 - Continued
(3)
An unidentified gentleman from the audience asked the location of
the proposed new city hall. Mr. Martin stated that when their
firm became involved in the study, they were given a directive
that the city hall would be located substantially in the area of
the Anaheim Library and Police Facility.
Mr. David Collins asked if a more detailed study on the funding
for various projects was not now in order.
Mr. Martin related the general cost detail included in the study.
Discussion was held relative to a projected time schedule of
development and areas projected for surface parking, as it would
relate to multistory parking garages.
Mr. Stan Pawlowski asked if the plan as recommended advocated use
of Federal funds.
Mr. Martin replied that possible state funds could be involved,
since the state is presently in the process of redesigning some
of the freeway interchanges. Use of Federal funds was a very
integral part in the Fresno project, however, the plan, as pre-
sented here, was possible without Federal funds; that this was
a personal decision to be made here without their recommendation
either way.
Mr. Pawlowski stated that, in his opinion, everyone present agrees
that something must be done and suggested the Agency, together
with the Downtown Merchants' Association avail themselves of
City services, as City support and assistance is necessary to get
the project in motion.
Mr. Martin stated that the City can supply the necessary services
and leadership only after assured of the acceptance and support
of the plan.
Mr. Krein advised those in attendance that the City Council has
gone on record disapproving use of Federal funds for redevelopment.
Mr. Al Marcoux reported that all of the eastern cities commence re-
development by private enterprise and later reverted to Federal
funds.
Mr. David Collins approved generally of the proposed plan and urged
organization in order to proceed.
At the conclusion of the discussion it was agreed that the second
of the three meetings to be held would be scheduled within approx-
imately thirty days, which meeting date will be publicized in the
local paper.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dutton moved to adjourn.
tion. MOTION CARRIED. (9 :30 p.m.)
Mr. Pebley seconded the mo-
r
SIGNED:
/
Secretary, Redevelopment Agency