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��n6AM � � <br />To: City Manager Date: March 26, 2012 <br />Executive Director <br />From: Planning & Building Agency <br />Subject: OCTA BUS TERMINAL BUILDING <br />SUMMARY <br />We have numerous concerns about the potential use of the OCTA bus terminal building for <br />a homeless facility. We believe the County of Orange should Instead devote Its energy to <br />working with the community and the City— especially given that the City is already working <br />on a plan to address homelessness. <br />BACKGROUND <br />The Commission to End Homelessness has been discussing the OCTA bus terminal building <br />located at 400 West Santa Ana Boulevard, and its suitability as a potential multi- service <br />center for the homeless. These discussions were prompted Indirectly by the OCTA when it <br />put the property up for sale. The Commission, which is chaired by Supervisor John <br />Moorlach, is considering whether it should urge the County of Orange to acquire the <br />property for these purposes. <br />POLICY CONCERNS <br />County Acquisition Doesn't Conform to City's General Plan or Zoning <br />Prior to acquisition of any property, Government Code §65402(b) requires the County of <br />Orange to consult with the City as to the conformance of the acquisition with the City's <br />General Plan. The City has informed the County that the General Plan and the Zoning do <br />not allow homeless shelters on this property. <br />City is Already Working on Plan to Address Homelessness <br />The City adopted goals in its Housing Element to address homelessness. And the State <br />Department of Housing and Community Development later certified Santa Ana's <br />Housing Element as being in compliance with state requirements. Further, Santa Ana's <br />Housing Element was recognized with the 2010 Outstanding Planning Award from the <br />Orange Chapter of the American Planning Association. <br />