07-05-1977 - Laserfiche WebLink

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from pages 1, 5, 6, 10 and 13 of a Summary of Expansion Program of Fashion Square, prepared by the Community Redevelopment Agency, describing CALTRANS support for overpass and freeway access to Fashion Square, a commitment from Montgomery Ward to locate in Fashion Square, and the cost of the overpass, $5,691,000, which represents almost half of the City's total investment. He asked why there has been no community involvement except by the Cham- ber of Commerce, who approved the proposal. Mr. Montejano further stated that the area involved is already served by Bristol, La Veta, Main Street and the Garden Grove Freeway; that no additional access is needed. He reminded Coun- cil that it has a responsibility to serve the homeowners of the City and he opined that a Memory Lane Overpass would not be in keeping with that responsibility; that it would generate traffic incompatible with a residential neighborhood; that it would serve no economical advantage; that it would be contrary to the residential goals of the City as stated in the Community Development Application, which is to maintain the residential areas, not to increase the financial base. Mr. Montejano addressed the question of Montgomery Ward's relocation to Fashion Square being predicated on the construction of Memory Lane Overpass. He described it as "economic blackmail" and added that the people he represents, and the City, could not submit to it, because Montgomery Ward wants the Overpass at the price of destroying the neighborhood; and that it is possible to find other alternatives, such as the Broadway Overpass. He stated that the homeowners don't want, don't need, and can't afford the Memory Lane Overpass; that the City must first determine to study and decide whether or not there is a need, and what the benefit will be from the widening of Memory Lane and the build- ing of the Overpass before it proceeds with the EIR report; and that substantial community input is required. The following persons also spoke on the subject: Conrad Schultz, 1811 N. Flower Mickey Madden, 2319 N. Rosewood A1 Garcie, 4006 N. Flower Elizabeth Robertson, 1226 Sharon Road Tom Eldridge, 606 W. Jonquil Rd. Tom Thorkelson, 2624 N. Louise Wayne Toscas, 1714 N. Flower Some of the speakers stated that there had been no community communication regarding the proposal to widen Memory Lane and build the Overpass; that the proposal would destroy the beautiful residential areas of Santa Ana; that community input and coopera- tion can help provide the solutions to traffic access and the Fashion Square shopping center expansion; and that traffic is already a problem in the area. Ot~r speakers opposed the approval of a contract for an EIR for the extension of Memory Lane, and requested Council to stop any further action in pursuing the project because it would increase traffic and congestion and reduce the quality of life in Santa Aha. Each of the Councilmen responding emphasized that no final decision has been made; that the purpose of the agreement is to explore all the available alternatives; the timing is right for community input regarding the entire access question; and that a mechanism for community involvement and communication will be developed. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 238 JULY $, 1977