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Mrs. Janice Boer, 912 North Lowell, requested that Mayor Griset not participate in the hearing because she believed he had a con- flict of interest as a~ landowner in the area. The City Attorney stated that there was absolutely no conflict of interest applicable since Council was considering the formation of a redevelopment agency and not the adoption of any certain area to be redeveloped. Mr. Croddy stated that Santa Ana was a dying town where negative thinking had prevailed; that boundaries and other details could be worked out as the program proceeded; that he was not in favor of a Federal Urban Renewal Program; that no one has come forth with a better idea; and that there is a great deal of enthusiasm among the downtown property owners for this proposal. James Miranda, 1917 North Westwood, spoke in favor of the Redevelop- ment Program, stating that the time had come to act and not simply talk, and urging Council to take the necessary steps to start the program. Billy C. Hall, Executive Director of the Santa Ana City Center Association, read a letter from the association in support of the program and stated that he believed everyone was going to have to get out and push for downtown redevelopment; and urged Council to consider appointment to the commission of those individuals most concerned with the City, the property owners. Harold Gosse, Jr., Planning Commissioner, representing the Commission, made reference to the Planning Commission's resolutions adopted December 11, 1972, supporting the formation of a redevelopment agency. Reverend Galal Gough, 2112 North Baker, of the Santa Ana Community Congress, stated that he wanted to commend Mr. Croddy on the interest he had taken; that it was exciting when a person from the business community stepped forward in the manner Mr. Croddy had; that he had visited a redevelopment area in San Bernardino where 100 businessmen had formed a committee to get redevelopment going; and that he had seen a similar project in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ted Jessee, 1013 South Main Street, stated that he had resided in Santa Ana for 38 years; that he believed the Civic Center represented a tremendous asset that would act as a magnet to attract many types of new businesses; that if the City failed to take advantage of the program being proposed, the Council would not be able to look themselves in the mirror; that he was certain Mr. Croddy was interested out of plain love of Santa Ana; that there have been many downtown problems created by trusteeship, elderly people, absentee ownership, and tax write-offs; that some condemnation was unavoidable; that a 50' lot would do a person no good; and that good leadership was now available to do something about downtown. Councilman Patterson arrived at 9:10 P.M. Joseph Farber, of 2429 French Street, stated that he had lived in Santa Ana since 1942; that he had given Anaheim advice not to spend any money for downtown, and that mainly through his efforts they had been fortunate enough to listen to him; that he believed it would be a mistake to attempt the proposed program; that he had as much interest in Santa Aha as any citizen; that he loved Santa Ana; that he had come from New York where he had been the General Manager of the third largest department store with 1,200 employees; that the only way that success could be made in retailing today was in a major department store where millions of dollars a year are CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 479 DECEMBER 18, 1972