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A� 450 West Fourth Street Suite 130 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Ph: 714-542-7792 Fax: 714-542.4853 lati nohea Ithoccess. org January 23, 2017 Re: Support for the General Plan Amendment to rezone parcels located on 415 and 423 S Raitt St to open space Dear Planning Commissioners, Latino Health Access would like to express full support for the recommendation by Park, Recreation, and Community Services Agency to change the general plan and zoning designation of parcels located at 415 and 423 S Raitt St from residential to open space. LHA has a history of working with community residents in the surrounding area in partnership with community-based organizations such as Kid Works and area schools to improve access to open space, safety, youth programming, and pedestrian safety. We were present in community forums where community residents expressed support for the rezoning of the parcels to build a new park. From our research on this area, we know it is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the city and almost half of the population (47%) are youth under 24 years of age. These two factors indicate a high need for added open space and recreational opportunities to adequately meet the needs of families. The conversion of these vacant parcels into open space, will allow the city to: • Reduce park deficiency in Santa Ana: Santa Ana continues to be one of the most park poor cities in the US. An accessible open space is defined as one that is less than .5 miles walking distance from a residence. • Comply with federal requirements to make up for acreage not being used as open space in Centennial Park. • Make progress toward the City's Five Year Strategic Plan goals and strategies to improve community health and livability. We are aware there are concerns that a new park may contribute to increased crime in the area. This is contrary to what current data indicates and it is not the experience that we have had in programming and managing open spaces in Santa Ana. According to the American Planning Association, growing evidence exists that demonstrates "When adjacent to residential areas, green spaces have been shown to create neighborhoods with fewer violent and property crimes and where neighbors tend to support and protect one another". As LHA was planning the construction of the Familias Corazones Verdes Park and Community Center on 4th & Minter, community members also expressed concerns about the park attracting crime and vandalism. After opening the park, those same community members have seen the park serve as an important community asset for children and youth to engage in positive activities, and they are now some of the strongest advocates for that park. In conclusion, we urge you to approve the rezoning of these parcels to open space for the construction of a new park. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at nmelia@latinohealthaccess.org Sincerely, Nancy Mejia, MPH, MSW Director of Community Engagement and Advocacy Programs PREVENTION EDUCATION ACTION