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of houses, and suggested having community benefits agreement re-circulated to the community. He stated that the Environmental Impact Report claimed that most properties could have been listed as historic, but City did not pursue. He recommended a comprehensive plan to preserve properties be provided to inform the Lacy Neighborhood and Sacred organization. Joe Dixon with Santa Ana Unified School District, Assistant Superintendent, voiced support of the project. Suggested use of funds on Garfield School, such as to replace portables and two-story buildings for the school and add community center as a joint use agreement. Barry Cottle with C&C Development supported the project as a great improvement to the neighborhood. Vicky Baxter, Executive Director of Downtown, Inc., spoke on behalf of their Board of Directors in support of the project. Ben Grabiel requested the use of a Community Benefits Agreement. He commented on cost of land acquisitions, loss of rent and sales tax revenues for Agency properties, and the cost of acquiring additional properties. He requested that the City consider the use of Lot 1 for a park, with alternative site for housing at lesser cost. Chairman Alderete called a recess at 6:20 p.m. The public hearing was closed. Meeting reconvened at 6:40 p.m. Chairman Alderete offered the Spanish translator services from Cesar Vargas to the public members. He instructed the Commissioners and members of the public to speak clearly to assist the Court Reporter. Planning Manager Haluza provided background on the City's extensive efforts to encourage and incentivize historic preservation. She stated that to date, the City has assisted in the listing of over 500 properties to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties, established two National Register Historic Districts, been recognized as Preserve America city, approved as a Certified Local Government by the State Office of Historic Preservation, established a specific section of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (Chapter 30) to codify historic preservation standards, and administer a Mills Act Program that allows owners of listed historic properties to receive property tax reductions. William Hoose, with PBS & J, EIR Project Manager provided information regarding the analysis of impacts to historic resources contained in the EIR and the determination that, even with mitigation, the impacts would be significant and unavoidable. He explained that the Statement of Overriding Considerations details the project benefits that would balance any project impacts. City Engineer George Alvarez responded to MMRP 4.11-3. Deputy City Manager for Cindy Nelson provided information regarding the selection process for the developer, The Related Group. Commission discussion ensued regarding clarification of the by-right .provisions, requirement of a discretionary permit for over four-story proposals, public input embodied into the document, competitive funding with affordable housing for tax credits, and fees specific for park acquisition. Public Works Executive Director Raul Godinez commented on the transit go-local project. Planning Commission Minutes 3 May 27, 2010