75B - PH - REZONE 710-720 E 6TH ST

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Amendment Application No. 2015 -02 December 14, 2015 Page 2 zoned Specific Development No. 84 (SD- 84/Transit Zoning Code), with a subzone designation of Urban Neighborhood -2. The zoning designation is not consistent with an open space use; however, approval of the amendment application will make the future park use consistent with the proposed zoning designation (Exhibit 4). Proiect ®escription The City of Santa Ana is proposing to rezone three parcels of land located within the Transit Zoning Code boundaries from Urban Neighborhood -2 (SD- 84/UN -2) to Open Space (SD- 84 /OS). No development is proposed on the parcels at this time by the City; however, future plans for the site consist of the construction of a public park. On November 17, 2015, the City Council approved a request by the Community Development and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agencies to begin the administrative process for the Housing Authority to sell the properties to the City. This action will allow the properties to be converted from residential uses to a future park use. Proiect Anaiysis In 2010, the City Council adopted Specific Development No. 84 (SD -84), which established the Transit Zoning Code specific plan for the Downtown and Central areas of the City. Within the SD -84 is a series of subzones that established detailed regulations for development and land uses within the project boundaries, including subzones dedicated to uses such as mixed -use and open space. When the plan was adopted, the plan considered the development of parks within the project boundaries in an effort to provide much needed open space in one of the most urban areas of the City. However, since the three subject properties each contained a residential unit, the properties were zoned to be Urban Neighborhood -2, which was consistent with the existing single - family land uses. City staff has been working with the National Park Service (NPS) to identify additional park acreage in the City in order to mitigate the loss of 2.6 acres of park land at Centennial Park, which is being used by the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) as their adult education campus. The subject parcels, in conjunction with an additional 1.09 acre parcel at Raitt and Myrtle Streets, will address the concerns of the NIPS. Staff is recommending approval of the zone change for several reasons. First, the rezoning of the site will ensure there is consistency between the Zoning and General Plan land use designations. This consistency will give the property owner clear direction in regards to potential land uses and development opportunities for the property. Second, the site is physically suitable as an open space use. The site is within a neighborhood that is deficient in open space, given the population density in the area. The use of the properties as a future public park will provide an additional recreational opportunity to residents in the immediate area. Third, the extensive rehabilitation that is needed to 75B -4