2014-03-04 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Pulido opened the public hearing. The following speakers addressed the City Council on the matter: • Jeff Melching, Attorney representing the applicant, noted that CEQA overriding considerations and independent cultural analysis of historic impact have been addressed; property not eligible to be included in State and/or National Historic Home Registry; • Michael Gibbons, representing applicants Concordia and Orange Lutheran High School; supports staff's recommendation; mitigation is costly but balance provided for in recommendation is acceptable; project will create family friendly neighborhood, new homes, preserve orchard as well as farmhouse as an economically feasible dwelling unit. • Kathy Lapworth, supports revival of Sexlinger property area and staff's recommendations — preservation of old and development of new. • John Lapworth, supports recommendation; opined that wishes of Sexlinger family should be upheld. • Virginia Mayne, spoke on proposed extension of Lyon Street; opposed to opening of street to Santa Clara; concerned with traffic impacts; opined that neighborhood will be significantly impacted by project and oppose development; undue burden to surrounding area. • Debbie Merced, spoke in support of the proposed project; opined that currently a fire hazard and dirt lot; Planning Commission has included additional conditions that addresses concerns. • Angelika Kotike, objects to the opening of Lyon and Avalon streets; traffic impacts will be significant; cul-de-sac to remain and build block wall. • Long Nguyen, spoke in support of proposed development; opined that win - win because it will preserve farmhouse and attract new families to the City. • Michael Haymond, spoke in support of development and positive growth of the City. • Stephanie Heard, Santa Clara Ave. and Grand Ave. are thoroughfares and entrance; farmhouse is boarded -up; supports improvements of area; project will bring additional revenue and taxes to the City. • Michael Grant, supports project that will bring new energy and overall improve area. • Vicki Woodard Bright, supports project as enhancement to the City. • Alan Lawson, spoke on behalf of the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society, supported City's designation of adding farmhouse to the Historic Registry; proposed recommendation will rehabilitate home, preserve small portion of orchard and is good compromise. • Brian Steffensen, opined that lot has potential to be restored and used as open space; preserve working class and agricultural roots. • Bea Tiritilli, spoke in opposition to proposed development; supports open space; thanked applicants for proposal to preserve some open space; education opportunity will be lost as well as history; preserve more of the orchard; can revitalize trees. • Nick Spain, represents the Old Orchard Conservancy, spoke in opposition to recommendation; have provided strong testimony in the past from CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 15 MARCH 4, 2014