FULL PACKET_2007-07-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Councilmember Bustamante acknowledged the need for such facilities in the community, and expressed his desire to see what sort of proposals might be available from private developers also. David DiRienzo, developer with Urban West Strategies, presented his proposal to develop the YMCA building into a boutique hotel. Mr. DiRienzo described that his plan would retain the historic facade of the building while completely removing the interior and reconstructing it to include a 50 to 60 room all-suites hotel, commercial office, restaurant and roof terrace. He explained that by , removing and reconstructing the interior, the development costs of the project. would be substantially reduced and greater potential for more flexible use of the interior space created. He stated that he recognized the importance of retaining the historical facade. Mr. DiRienzo left a copy of his proposal, called Civic West with the Committee. He stated that he had favorable interest from a number of investment firms in his proposal Ben Grabiel, representing the Santa Ana Historic Preservation Society Board, stated that he would be submitting a proposal for an income-generating re-use of the property and that he would be contacting Steve Harding with further details. Councilmember Sarmiento stated that he was pleased that there was such varied interest in the property and that it would be important to keep an open mind about any proposals. , Mayor Pulido commented that, given the amount of time the building has been vacant; waiting a little longer is appropriate while we try to find the right use. He asked Ms. Avila to consider the Delhi Center as a potential location for the Youth Commission's programs also. The Committee and staff discussed the history of the City's involvement in the redevelopment of the property to date including such barriers as the cost to rehabilitate the building. Phil Brigandi, Yepresenting the Orange County Archivist, stated that his agency was interested in using the building for an Orange County museum and also to house the County Archives. Steve Harding stated that he would bring the previously established interest list back to the Committee for its feedback. 3. FACILITATING DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL LOTS Jay Trevino and Karen Haluza provided a presentation and analysis of barriers to development of small, vacant lots. She stated that it might be worthwhile to explore changes to the City's minimum lot size standards in certain zones and locations. Mayor Pulido expressed support for minimum lot size standards in single-family residential zones, but stated that he believed that the City's standards and necessary discretionary actions to vary from these standards make it too difficult to develop these lots. He stated that the presence of so many vacant lots act like "broken windows" in the City and detract from its overall appearance. He requested Development Council Committee Minutes May 17, 2007 13 B-2