05-15-1975 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. John Swartz, Attorney, representing Draper and Kramer, developers of Fashion Square, stated that Fashion Square opened in 1958, with 550,000 square feet of area, located on 42 acres; that Draper and Kramer has been continuously active in civic organizations and civic.affairs since that time; that they are fully cognizant of the need for coopera- tion; that they=are vitally interested in the proposed expan- sion~ and in cooperating with the City; and that they:are in favor of adoption of the proposed amendment with the suggested changes approved earlier in the meeting. Mrs. Pat McGee, 1717 Bush Street, questioned the authority to take private property for private use, and asked what period of time would be allowed for moving from the area~ Special Counsel Jacobs stated that since 1955 the courts have held that the use of eminent domain in redevelopment to deal with problems of cities and to do away with blight is for a public use. He responded to the time period question by stat- ing that much of the plan would have to be implemented through the owner participation approach; that it takes a long time economically for a City to have the difficultie~ Santa Ana is experiencing, and that it takes a long time to recover from them; and that the Agency could enter into.negotiations immediately with anyone who wanted to do something else with his property. Mr. Goblirsch stated that the major thrust of the redevelopment activity is for the expansion of Fashion Square; that the second is to assist in the improvement of Broadway and Main Streets; that Bush Street would be very far in the future maybe just a widening of Bush Street; and that it isn't the intent to acquire every piece of property. Mr. Don Gittelson stated his interest in property in the 1900 block of North Spurgeon, and requested information regarding the issuance of building permits with respect to improvements. Special Counsel Jacobs responded that the Agency requirements were no different from the City's insofar as building permits were concerned; and that combinations of parcels were dependent upon location and circumstances. Mr. Steve Johnson, 2059 Bush Street, asked what effect this proposal would have on his property. Mr. Goblirsch stated that there were no immediate plans, possibly some street improvements; and that it would be desirable to find out what the people in the area wanted first. Mr. Richard Huff, 1801 North Bush, askedlwhy his property had been included, and if it would be tied up in limbo. Mr. Goblirsch responded that as the shopping center is developed, that particular area will grow, and there will be a strong demand for improvement in five to seven years; that many of the property owners will definitely want to develop.; and that there are no immediate plans east of Bush north of Seven- teenth. Mr. Jacobs stated that the Agency will be in a position to look at the needs of anyone who wants to move forward; that it is not a question of only what the Agency is planning; and that the inclusion in the.Project Area would not create a limbo situation or a problem in selling. Mr. Goblirsch invited residents of the area to become members of the Project. Area Committee and become involved. CITY coUNCIL MINUTES 214 MAY 15, 1975