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Councilmember Johnson expressed his concern that the Paseo Mercado <br />was a dubious venture, that parking was a problem, that the Transit <br />Station represented a potential negative, and stated that he was dis- <br />mal in general about the future of the downtown. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bricken indicated that the wrong people were being asked <br />about the problems of downtown, that access to the area was poor, that <br />government employees were unlikely to be lured to the shopping areas, <br />and indicated a need for a "blockbuster project" to stimulate the area. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGuigan indicated the lack of parking impacted the <br />downtown negatively as a retail center, expressed her concerns with <br />the planned pedestrian bridge,'and stated that hotel/evening enter- <br />tainment opportunities were needed, as well as a comprehensive plan. <br /> <br />The Mayor felt that the Council and the community must think positively <br />before things can begin to happen. He also indicated a need for <br />additional entertainment in the downtown area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Griset reflected that Santa Ana must explore its niche <br />as a community and indicated that a downtown area meant to him choice, <br />convenient and variety. He also noted a need for a progressive public <br />policy to revitalize the Library and to avoid the "L.A. problem" where <br />60 percent of the city is devoted to parking. Councilmember Griset <br />distributed copies of a memo to the City Manager which outlined several <br />of his major concerns. <br /> <br />Councilmember Young encouraged Councilmembers to think in terms of <br />multiple "blockbuster projects," such as San Diego's streetcar and <br />a new hotel. Councilmember Bricken encouraged Santa Aha to overcome <br />its inferiority complex; and Mayor Luxembourger stated that the City <br />needed to touch young adults to encourage them to become part of <br />the community. <br /> <br />The City Manager summarized his objectives for the downtown area: <br /> <br />1. To reorganize development activities; <br />2. To establish a Central Planning Agency; <br />3. To solicit requests for proposals for a design plan for <br /> downtown Santa Ana; <br />4. To construct a "blockbuster project" such as a hotel in <br /> the downtown area; <br />5. To create a business center in concert with the education <br /> centers where top corporate meetings might be scheduled; <br />6. To develop a sports arena; and <br />7. To encourage belief in the downtown area. <br /> <br />He encouraged the Council to become "cheer leaders" for downtown <br />Santa Ana. <br /> <br />At 7:54 p.m., the Council recessed and reconvened at 8:04 p.m., with <br />all Councilmembers present except Acosta. <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES <br /> <br />65 <br /> <br />FEBRUARY 27, 1954 <br /> <br /> <br />