Correspondence - #22 - Applicant In Support Comments

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goodwill September 26, 2023 Dear Commissioners and Councilmembers, As President and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, I am delighted to share my support and enthusiasm for the Related Bristol development in south Santa Ana. For nearly 100 years in our community, Goodwill has been committed to train people for meaningful jobs in a variety of industries, including retail sales, custodial services, maintenance, hospitality and more. Related Bristol will generate 7,600 new jobs, including 1,600 permanent jobs once the mixed -use project is complete. These will be much needed local hiring opportunities for our job training graduates, who leave our program in search of employment and a chance to secure what we all seek in life: economic independence and a better quality of life. Related Bristol will also transform two -city blocks of our city, replacing an aging and increasingly vacant shopping center into a vibrant new destination for families and friends to connect, explore new cultures and build community, opportunities we all seek more of in our busy lives. Through the years, Goodwill's ability to impact and improve lives has been built on creating meaningful connections between people, and Related Bristol, as envisioned, will become a place for individuals to meet and socialize with others in a safer and more appealing environment. As a Santa Ana -based nonprofit, with its corporate headquarters, a nationally -recognized veteran's services center and seven retail stores all located in the city, we care deeply about Santa Ana's future. Related Bristol is the type of opportunity and future neighbor we need more of in our great city. Please ensure our community does not miss out on this tremendous opportunity to improve our economy and quality of life in Santa Ana. I urge you to approve Related Bristol. Thank you, Nicole Suydam President & CEO Goodwill of Orange County 410 N. Fawvuew St. ocgvodwill.org Santa Ana, CA 92703 714,5476308