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Becerra, Alexis <br /> From: Emma Medina < <br /> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2026 8:51 PM <br /> To: eComment; Amezcua, Valerie; Phan, Thai; Vazquez, Benjamin; Lopez, Jessie; Bacerra, <br /> Phil; Hernandez, Johnathan; Penaloza, David <br /> Subject: Agenda Item 30 - Washington Square Park <br /> Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links. <br /> Dear Santa Ana City Council, My name is Emma Medina-Sisk, and I live in Ward 5 in the Washington Square <br /> neighborhood. <br /> I am writing with urgency regarding a recent development. <br /> Washington Square is a vibrant, community-focused neighborhood with tree-lined <br /> streets and strong daily resident connection, yet it lacks a dedicated park where people <br /> of all ages can gather, children can play, and the community can thrive. As an <br /> environmental justice area, a park is not just an amenity, it is a matter of equity, <br /> public health, and quality of life. <br /> Establishing a park here directly supports the City's Parks Master Plan goal of 1.5 acres <br /> per 1,000 residents. With over 2,000 residents, Washington Square remains <br /> underserved, even when the 10th & Flower park under development is completed. This <br /> is a clear opportunity to improve health outcomes, strengthen community connections, <br /> and provide much-needed open space. <br /> This project is also highly feasible: <br /> • A willing property seller is in place <br /> • The undeveloped land allows for a straightforward construction process <br /> • No significant traffic or access concerns; entry is within the neighborhood <br /> • Minimal infrastructure investment due to the park's passive design <br /> The property is now actively being marketed to developers, referencing California Senate Bill 9, which <br /> allows increased residential density, potentially up to four units per lot. This <br /> significantly increases the risk of sale and development before the City can act. <br /> I respectfully urge you to: <br /> • Prioritize this property for acquisition <br /> • Allocate funding in the upcoming study sessions per Option 2 of the Feasibility Study <br /> • Act promptly to prevent loss to private development <br /> Washington Square residents strongly support a neighborhood park and are deeply <br /> concerned about potential high-density development on this site. This is a rare and <br /> time-sensitive opportunity to secure a lasting public benefit by utilizing the only <br /> 1 <br />