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I am glad that the developer has made changes to the project. The Planning Department's suggested changes, which I presume the developer finds acceptable, seems to also be moves in the right direction which hopefully will help garner support although I doubt that it will to the "no apartment" supporters. The changes that I have seen, which I find substantial, from the time that I attended the Sunshine Ordinance (at which time I was originally opposed to the project) through now include: • Decreased number of units (density and bulk) • Change of entrance away from Edgewood • Terraced structure on the backside of the property adjacent to Park Santiago neighborhood (2 stories at the back) • Providing of security patrol for the surrounding neighbors and park • Funding for improvements at Santiago Park • Increased parking ratios • Raising the height of the wall to adjacent single family neighbors • Inclusion of a Public Art project • Providing of $1.4M to improve Santiago Park • Inclusion of Amazon Lockers for the surrounding neighbors • Providing funds for Park Santiago neighbors to apply for historic district designation The alternative use of the property which presumably would be to remain a professional office building designation likely with a 3 story building (dropped down to 2 sotry in the back although the way the parcels are drawn this may not be 100% required by a savy developer) will bring more traffic to our area of the city and likely will not provide the additional community benefits (public art, Edgewood entrance or lack therof, neighborhood security, park improvements, etc...). Overall, I believe that this project may be better off than the reasonable alternative. Lastly, the city's own planning department who are trained in these matters support the project. There are also other neighbors in the community who support it but will not speak up because they believe that their neighbors will not look kindly upon them which is unfortunate in our great community. Again, I support this project and hope that after listening to all stakeholders in the community, reviewing the EIR, reviewing the staff reports, and also considering the city as a whole and not just one area, that you will support it also. Thank you for your service to the residents of Santa Ana. Here is my prior email from November 26th: Dear Planning Commission through ecomments, Councilmembers, Mayor, Selena Kelaher, Candida Neal and Minh Neal ... I am writing you this email to express my thoughts on the 2525 N. Main development. I am unable to attend the Planning Commission's meeting on November 26th but I am hopeful that you will have an opportunity to read this email and consider it as part of your planning session tonight. I also hope that you closely consider the thoughts, needs, and desires of the surrounding community, EIR, the Planning Department Staff, and the Developer as well as the needs of the City of Santa Ana as whole. As you know, there is a fair amount of public opposition to this project. I for one was previously very opposed to this project. However, the more that I learn about it and also the needs of our city, the more I become in favor it. I am not alone in this thought process. Even though the most vocal crowd will be opposed, rest assured that there are a fair number of residents in the area who are in favor of this type of development for a variety of reasons. There are some that are even afraid to speak up because they do not want to be viewed as not being neighborly or they once opposed it and now are neutral or even in support of it when weighing the alternatives. The North Santa Ana Preservation Alliance (NSAPA) does not speak for everyone in our end of town. would like to address what I believe to be the main opposition: The Developer Is Not Listening to Us! You will likely hear folks say that the Developer is not listening to NSAPA. This is simply not true. Yes, it is still a residential development, which they are opposed to, however the Developer has made significant changes to the