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C. WORK STUDY SESSION' DISCUSSION OF DOWNTOWN STREET LEVEL INVENTORY Planning Manager Karen Haluza provided data regarding the overall distribution of land uses in the downtown area bounded by 5t" Street on the north, 1st Street on the south, Ross Street on the west and French Street on the east. The data presented was based on a street level inventory performed by the Planning Division during the first week of October 2013. In addition to the overall distribution of land uses, the data analyzed the number' of restaurants as a percentage of all uses, the percentage of these restaurants that serve alcohol compared to those that don't, and a comparison of the relative concentration of liquor licenses within comparable geographic areas for the downtowns of Santa Ana, Fullerton, Orange and Long Beach. Finally, Ms. Haluza provided an analysis of the occupancy history for the last 10 years of those businesses currently operating as restaurants to determine if a significant number of non - restaurant land uses, such as retail, had been displaced by restaurants. The Commission discussed the appropriateness of the boundaries of the study area; the need to have a balanced mix of businesses to activate the downtown throughout the day and evening; the need to provide for uses that preserve the diversity of goods and services needed by Santa Ana residents; and the need to ensure that families still have a place in the downtown. Chairman Alderete asked for input from those in attendance and opened the floor to public comment. Matt Southgate, gallery owner in Artists Village, supported the preservation of the arts in downtown and to not have artists'dispiaced by higher- revenue generating uses. He also commented that the quality of nightlife uses was as important as how many. Samuel Romero, downtown business owner, expressed concerns that the downtown was becoming "Boozelandia," with too many alcohol- serving restaurants displacing retail uses. Victor Payan, OC Film Fiesta and United Artists, emphasized the importance of the arts in downtown, that there should be more daytime activities for families and that all business owners should have a level playing field rather than some businesses receiving free rent while others are being evicted. Janelle McLoughlin shared her experiences with the positive effect of restaurants on the revitalization of shopping districts. She supported the development of new restaurants in the downtown. Bruce Marsh, owner of Little Sparrow restaurant, expressed support for the development of new restaurants in the downtown. Marchell Williams, owner Au Naturaw restaurant, expressed support for the development of new restaurants in the downtown. Desi Reyes, Santa Ana resident, expressed support for the development of new restaurants in the downtown. Eric Scandrett, Santa Ana resident, expressed support for the development of new restaurants in the downtown. Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 10 October 28, 2013