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March 24, 2025 The Honorable Valerie Amezcua Mayor, City of Santa Ana - vamezcua@santa-ana.org 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Mayor Amezcua, Re: Opposition to proposed Specific Development No. 84 Transit Zoning Code rezoning (Logan and Lacy neighborhoods) On behalf of the Board and Members of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to express our strong opposition to the City of Santa Ana's proposed Transit Zoning Code, Specific Development Number 84 ordinance in its Logan and Lacy neighborhoods. Specifically, we are concerned about the proposed removal of the existing light (M-1) and heavy (M-2) industrial overlays in these neighborhoods, which we believe would have a profoundly adverse impact on long-established businesses many of which are owner/operator small and medium-sized enterprises vital to our local economy. The removal of the industrial overlays would disrupt a vital part of our community that has supported a wide range of downstream businesses for decades. Many of the impacted enterprises serve as key employers, providing jobs and contributing to the diverse character and history of the Logan and Lacy neighborhoods. By removing these industrial designations, the City risks displacing these businesses and undermining the livelihoods and retirement plans of owner/operators who have invested time, effort and resources in both neighborhoods. Instead of effectively punishing existing businesses in the two industrial overlay zones, the City should strictly target "bad actors" in the M-2 heavy industrial zone that are producing noxious emissions. Here are a few specific concerns that we would like to highlight for your attention: 1.) Impact on Small Businesses: Many of the businesses in the affected areas rely on industrial zoning and its inherent industrial uses to operate effectively. The removal of the two industrial overlays could force these businesses to either close or relocate, disrupting long- standing operations and the local economy. This will disproportionately affect owner/operator businesses that have become an integral part of the community. In addition, because the ordinance restricts the expansion or modification of existing industrial facilities, growing businesses that require greater space will not be able to expand the physical size of their buildings.