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JOINT SESSION BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL, THE HOUSING
<br />AUTHORITY AND THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
<br />Recommended action approved by the Planning Commission at its
<br />February 23, 2004 meeting by a vote of 6-1 (Sinclair opposed)
<br />Written communications: The Clerk announced that in addition to the
<br />correspondence received and included in the agenda packets, she has
<br />received communications opposed to the project from: Greg Rankin,
<br />President, Orange County Historical Society, Jo Ann Ramirez, Roberta
<br />Reed, and Jerry Holdner. Additionally, during the day twenty eight phone
<br />calls had been received (26 in opposition; 2 in support)
<br />Public Hearing: The following speakers spoke in support of the proposed
<br />project: Cynthia Criollos, Ray Burruel, Nick Partida, Ralph Opacic
<br />representing Orange County High School of the Arts, Richard Samaniego,
<br />Laurie Hampton, Russ Nicholson, Bob Modica, Jim Adams, Mando
<br />Esparza, James Henry, Michael Weisman, Patricia Bustamante, Alfonso
<br />Bustamante, Joe Solis, Glen Nolte, Piedmont Brown, Francisco Magaha,
<br />Arturo Lomeli, Mickey Totten, David Biondolillo, John Salazar, Leonard
<br />Gillis, Damon Gonzales, Robert Martinez, John White, Federico Sayre,
<br />Pete Major, William Beaubeaux, Ramon Trillo, Robin Cook, Robert
<br />Escalante, James Kendrick, Rueben Martinez, Gil Marrero, Tim
<br />Hawthorne, Michael Seeley, Jason Kordas and Brian Bist. The project's
<br />• developer, Michael Harrah, addressed the Council and emphasized the
<br />importance of locating his project in the Civic Center area, which is the
<br />core and heart of the City. He noted that any City is judged by the
<br />success of its core, and that the proposed One Broadway Plaza project
<br />will bring attorneys and other professionals back to the downtown area.
<br />The following speakers spoke in opposition to the proposed project:
<br />Catherine Cate, Connie Major, Larry Haynes, Paul Giles, Steve
<br />McGuigan, Cassandra and Cjersti Jensen, Donna Jensen, Jim Walker,
<br />Ginelle Hardy, Debbie McEwen, Jeff Dickman, Vicky Yamamoto, Kim
<br />Payne, Claudio Gallegos, Ben Grabiel, Mary M. Guzman, Jim Lynn,
<br />James Pantone, Irene Chinn, Sandra Hernandez, Rob Richardson,
<br />Nathan Reed, Philip Chinn, Louise Pass, Jo Ann Ramirez, Barry Jensen
<br />and Roberta Reed. Some of the concerns expressed included: removal of
<br />existing historic buildings, the potential impact on other office space in the
<br />city, and traffic and land use concerns
<br />Public hearing closed
<br />The Council recessed at 9:22 P.M. and reconvened at 9:40 P.M. with the
<br />same members present. Council discussion ensued. Councilmember
<br />Garcia noted that many issues still needed to be addressed and resolved
<br />. and suggested that the City enter into a development agreement with Mr.
<br />Harrah to resolve issues related to the quality of construction materials
<br />and impacts on traffic and adjacent historic neighborhoods. He further
<br />noted that there needed to be assurances related to occupancy when the
<br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 81 MARCH 15, 2004
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