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January 19, 2024 <br />Katherine Freeman, President Republic Homes Neighborhood Association <br />Dear Commissioners or Councilmembers, <br />My name is Katherine Freeman and the City of Santa Ana has been my home for nearly 40 <br />years. I care deeply about this city and my neighborhood, Republic Homes, where i am <br />president of our Neighborhood Association. <br />I am writing to urge you to support Related Bristol, a proposed mixed -use redevelopment <br />project that I believe will be a significant and very positive addition to South Santa Ana. This <br />41-acre project will be a dramatic upgrade from the 50-year-old Metro Town Square that has <br />served our community well for decades, but is rapidly aging with far too many empty <br />storefronts. The existing center is no longer the friendly and attractive destination it once was. <br />Now is a time for a change, and Related Bristol is a plan I strongly support. In addition to <br />bringing much needed new retail and restaurants to our neighborhood, the project will create <br />13 acres of open space —almost one-third of the planned site —with landscaped pathways, <br />paseos and inviting areas to sit and gather with family and friends. lust as important, the open <br />space will be actively programmed year-round with farmer's markets, seasonal celebrations <br />and events, art shows and live entertainment. <br />Related Bristol ultimately will be a vibrant and exciting contrast to what exists today, and it will <br />be accessible and available to everyone whether you are a Related Bristol resident or live <br />nearby within walking distance from Republic Homes and other local neighborhoods. <br />Moreover, this redevelopment project will greatly increase the value of our homes and <br />surrounding commercial properties making South Santa Ana an even more desirable place to <br />live and invest. <br />I do have some concerns, particularly the potential for additional traffic on Bristol Street, the <br />main north -south artery in South Santa Ana. I have raised and discussed these points with the <br />developer multiple times and they have reassured me they are working closely with the city to <br />study and address this issue and put in place measures to minimize the impact, if necessary. In <br />fact, the Related Bristol team from the beginning has communicated clearly and often which is <br />a reflection of their transparency and willingness to be a positive, long-term partner in <br />developing and operating this project in the years ahead. <br />As a result, I am confident the many benefits, including thousands of new jobs, increased tax <br />revenue for the city and a far more attractive retail center, that Related Bristol will bring to <br />Santa Ana deserves our support. <br />1 <br />