Disney—Anaheim housing plan disagreement

[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim council weighs housing options for resort property

Anaheim council weighs housing options for resort property (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1249942.php)
OCRegister - Orange County,CA,USA
A major road extension already is due to slice off the south edge of a mobile-home park in the Anaheim Resort. Now the City Council is weighing the best option for the rest of the property: a luxury hotel that includes condos or a dense housing complex including affordable housing. Tuesday, the council is set to consider a plan that would allow high-end hotels that incorporate condos on two plots near Disneyland. Mayor Curt Pringle said developers can more easily raise money to construct hotels when they sell condos within. But City Council members Richard Chavez and Lorri Galloway say they worry that the city is demolishing lower-priced mobile homes and apartments for the extension of Gene Autry Way without providing enough affordable housing. "The concern I have is that we're enhancing the ability for developers to take advantage of those properties and we're not getting any affordability out of it," Chavez said.

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[k_peek_2000]

That's terrable that they just want to tear down a mobile home park for some fancey resort. Theres a reason why people live in mobile homes. Mainly because they cant make much money! And anaheim just wants to kick em to the street. Thats happened way to much this past year. Just a week ago in a mobile home park about a mile west of where I live, the landlord raised the rent from a decent 150 dollars a month to 780 dollars a month. And its at an elders mobile home park. Its horrible what they are doin to people that can't make much money.

[Tom Morrow]

Disney at odds with Anaheim housing plan

Acres in Anaheim at stake (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1326330.php)
Orange County Register
Businesses and affordable-housing advocates debate best use of land
Two mobile home parks sit at the center of a debate between Disney-area businesses and affordable-housing advocates over the best use of land in the Anaheim Resort. Walt Disney Co. and resort officials say new homes clash with the city's long-term plan to allow only new tourism-related businesses, such as hotels, on the plot across the street from Disney property that might someday become a third theme park. Disney and resort-area businesses believed the debate was resolved 12 years ago, when the city approved a plan outlining the Anaheim Resort's zoning. But four of five City Council members and housing supporters say they prefer a new residential project to replace about 260 mobile homes in an area that relies heavily on low-income employees. complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1326330.php)


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[adrianne]

The photo in the article made it look like the mobile home park was all boarded up; how many residents might be displaced? I agree that affordable housing is an issue (I certainly can't afford to buy a house in my town, and I work full-time and make way more than minimum wage) but how many people really live there?

[Disney_Guy]

The photo in the article made it look like the mobile home park was all boarded up; how many residents might be displaced? I agree that affordable housing is an issue (I certainly can't afford to buy a house in my town, and I work full-time and make way more than minimum wage) but how many people really live there?

Now that I look at that picture... I guess your right.
But why would their be debate over this land if it's basically a "Ghost town"?

[chadb14]

It says at the beginning of the article 2 mobile home parks. The question isn't only how many people will be displaced, but where will they all go? I wonder if there was any disclosure to the residents stating that the mobile home parks might be closed in the future. I would think that would be public knowledge, but maybe not.
If you look at the Disney property on the map, it is seperate from the mobile home parks, there is nothing stopping them from building there. What is in question is devolping the surrounding area with hotels, shops, and resteraunts. In order to have these things, you need employees, and people are not going to come from very far away for minimum wage.

[adrianne]

I think that how many people will be displaced, and where will they all go? are part of the same question...One family shouldn't find too much trouble finding a new place to live, but 20 would place a strain on the rental market. They (the Powers That Be) need to consider that before thet make any final decisions.

[debijeanm]

As I read this, I thought it was saying that if the mobile home park is closed, what would be built there? Will it be entertainment-based construction (new park, hotel) or low-income housing?

And if an area has no low-income housing, where do service employees (like Disney CMs and staff) live? This has become a HUGE problem in places like Mammoth. Housing is so expensive that resort employees and even local schoolteachers can't live there, they have to commute a far distance, which, at $3.00 per gallon, isn't necessarily do-able. Communities must consider low-income housing or watch the cost of services skyrocket and businesses shut down for lack of employees.

[chadb14]

I think that how many people will be displaced, and where will they all go? are part of the same question...One family shouldn't find too much trouble finding a new place to live, but 20 would place a strain on the rental market. They (the Powers That Be) need to consider that before thet make any final decisions.

I agree whole heartedly. The last thing that I would want to see happen is that a family gets put on the streets just so Disney can have a new park and a hotel.

[Ezra]

It's not Disney's property, but the property across the street ...but I agree, if Disney presses this zoning agreement issue too hard, they'll come off looking like villains.

[Disney_Guy]

I think if it's not that much of a hassle, is to simply move the mobile homes onto different property nearby. I mean, they are atleast "mobile," so I wouldn't say it's too costly to do so... But then, move to where? I don't know.

[CostaFreak]

They're moble homes. Those guys can move to the outskirts of L.A. or something. I saw the area on google earth. Maybe the should bring a certain dead concept back to life for the 3rd park.

Just a thought.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

This story sounds like its on deck to be the next Eminent Domain case.

-- The Chief :cool:

[chadb14]

Even though these are "mobile" homes, it is the human element that concerns me. If they are being displaced - where do they go. If they are working somewhere, it is probably nearby and relocation may not be a viable option for them.
This could be a very sticky situation.
That is why in my 1st post I asked if there was any disclosure to residents that the property may be used for something else at some point in the future. If this is the case then these people would know that this is coming sooner or later and they hopefully made plans for it.
I wonder if Disney (or some other company) might be willing to do a buy out type option?

[kimballw]

This story sounds like its on deck to be the next Eminent Domain case.

-- The Chief :cool:
I think you're right. The language the Supreme Court used in the eminent domain precidence would be specifically directed towards a case like this. If they really pushed it, they legally could force the land owner(s) to accept fair market value for the trailer park from the new developer. Very scary law.

[Disney_Guy]

I can easily see a conflict over this be seen on channel 5 news when the time comes.

[CostaFreak]

Trailer parks are usually rundown areas. If disney want's to build a nice looking park and settle with the homeowners by getting an agreement going by giving them a compromised amount of money, it's probably fine since it's a poor area and the homeowners will most likely take the money and run. But if they have to get the town involved, the town will most likely settle for the park since theme parks look nicer than a poor, rundown trailer park. And anyways they're trailer homes for God's sake. They could just connect it to the back of a truck and leave. Even the trailer homes that look like houses can easily be moved. The theme park will 99.9% the time win in this case. I may sound cold, but hey, it's business.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

But according to the article, the mobile home park wouldn't be replaced by a Disney theme park (I can't wait until the news presents it that way and Disney suffers a HUGE black eye for it) because it said 4/5 Anaheim city council members just want a newer housing development on that land.

-- The Chief :cool:

[Rachele]

Allow me to chip in for a moment... mobile homes are mobile, but it is not an issue of just backing a truck up and going. I live in a mobile home, and if I have to move it somewhere, it would be practically destroyed. These are usually turned into more permanent constructions - it's really not the same thing as an RV or travel trailer. It is a lot less complicated if the home is a single-wide, but for a double-wide or more (like mine), you are literally tearing the hosue in half, moving it, then have to put it back together. It can be done, but it is costly, and a huge hassle.

[CostaFreak]

Yea, but trailer parks look bad for the surrounding Anahiem area (no offence). Oh, and think this; It's better to build a theme park in the area instead of houses since the city will make more money with more tourists coming into the area than the homeowners of the housing development. The millions of dollars made by the whole resort with the new park and improvements by tourists will give the town the money to build houses somewhere else.

[CoryTheRaven]

Actually, that logic doesn't really play out. Calgary has been going through a comparable issue the last few years when the Calgary Stampede began buying up property all through the surrounding Victoria Park area. Vic Park was basically a slum, but at least it had places where people with extremely low and unreliable incomes could live. Now most of those houses are gone (many, incidentally, were historic buildings, as Vic Park is one of Calgary's oldest neighbourhoods) and will be replaced with an expanded area for the Stampede and luxury condos.

So where are Vic Park's residents going? Too many are just going onto the street, because all the extra money coming into Calgary that is making the expansion possible, and will be coming in because of the expansion, is also driving up housing costs. There is an affordable housing crisis in this city right now, and high-priced condos aren't fixing it.

So yeah, more money coming in doesn't make things more affordable. It makes things more expensive.

[Coolbeans326]

But according to the article, the mobile home park wouldn't be replaced by a Disney theme park (I can't wait until the news presents it that way and Disney suffers a HUGE black eye for it) because it said 4/5 Anaheim city council members just want a newer housing development on that land.

-- The Chief :cool:
Your words are very encouraging.:icon_roll

Besides, we all know how much of a problem knew houses will be for DLR. New houses (especially nice houses with people with a little more money then your average low income family) will mean more complaints. Why they didn't think about all the noise and future expansions of the park before they moved there is beyond me, but you know that one day those problems will inevitably pop up. They always do.

[Disney50]

to add to Rachele's point theres nothing mobile about mobile homes.Theres no just backing a truck up and driving off with 1.double and triple wides have to be seperated and lifted off there foundations then you need a semi to haul them.even single wides still need to be jacked and a semi to haul them plus the electrical connections,sewer and water connections all have to be disconnected, not cheap in any way or easy.new houses means more people to complain about the fireworks shows and the residue it leaves on their cars.Remember hearing about that story awhile back.Those 4 council members should consider the needs of those lower income people over the fact that THEY want a newer housing development.

[Disney'sPrincess]

I think If I was in the position of living accross the street of disneyland, I would love it, and it would rock so hard. But the chance of a third park would be just that much better.

[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim weighs more housing or pleasing Disney

Anaheim weighs more housing or pleasing Disney (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-disney5nov05,1,144909.story)
Los Angeles Times - CA
For decades, Anaheim and Disneyland have enjoyed a snug relationship as the city and the entertainment giant have jointly polished the neighborhood where Disney's amusement parks have grown and flourished. More than $6 billon in private and public money has been poured into the resort district, bringing a Disney-esque sheen to an area once overrun with cheap motels, tacky retail shops and bubbling neon signs. Now a proposed housing project in the midst of Anaheim's resort quarters has unearthed those ancient concerns, leaving city officials to debate which is more important: pleasing Anaheim's largest employer and biggest tourist draw or creating needed housing. The project, planned as 1,300 condominiums and 200 low-cost apartments, has been embraced by the City Council, which sees it as a partial solution to Anaheim's housing shortage. But Disney officials are pushing back, fearful it could degrade the area they believe has finally become a Disney-worthy gateway to their amusement parks. Disney officials agree housing is a pressing issue in Anaheim but say it doesn't belong outside the gates to Disneyland and California Adventure. complete article (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-disney5nov05,1,144909.story)



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[Tom Morrow]

Proposed condo project challenged by Disney

Proposed Disney Condos Foreseen (http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_310224331.html)
KCAL - CBS 2 - Los Angeles, CA
A proposal to build 1,300 condominiums and 200 low-cost apartments at the edge of Disneyland is far from settled, but has put park officials and city leaders at odds over the need for housing and the location. The SunCal project would demolish 300 mobile homes for the project, the Los Angeles Times reported, but many hurdles remain before ground is broken. SunCal Cos. has proposed the project for the area around Katella Avenue and Haster Street, between California Adventure and where a third park may someday be erected. Disney officials agreed that housing is a pressing issue, but say it doesn't belong outside the gates to Disneyland and California Adventure, an area that has given way to hotels, restaurants and a tourist-friendly retail district. Disney spokesman Robert Doughty said residents have different needs from tourists. Anaheim City Councilwoman Lorri Golloway told reporters that times have changed since an agreement was reached in 1994 to keep the area free of residential housing. complete article and video (http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_310224331.html)

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[Tom Morrow]

Disneyland Officials Upset Over New Housing Proposal

Disneyland Officials Upset Over New Housing Proposal (http://www.10news.com/news/10246025/detail.html)
10 News - San Diego, CA
A proposed housing project in the midst of the Happiest Place on Earth has some Disneyland officials upset. Anaheim City Council members want to build more than 1,000 condos and 200 apartments near the resort to help relieve a housing shortage but Disney officials are fearful it could degrade the area. Not that long ago, the vicinity surrounding the amusement park was overrun with cheap motels and tacky retail shops. The eyesore changed drastically, however, after more than six (b) billion dollars in private and public money was poured into the resort district. Now, the proposed housing project is leaving city officials to debate which is more important: pleasing Anaheim's largest employer or creating more housing. Cynthia King is the director of Cal State Fullerton's Center for Entertainment and Tourism. She says the two sides have no choice but to find a middle ground. She says, quote: "They can't get divorced."



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[Tom Morrow]

RV park near Disneyland closes
Residents running out of time


Anaheim RV park residents running out of time (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/homepage/article_1400243.php)
Residents have until Sunday to leave Travelers World RV Park,
which is closing to make way for development
Orange County Register - CA
The Travelers World RV Park near Disneyland is scheduled close Sunday but some of the residents are still searching for places to live. The 296-space park is closing to clear land for a proposed multiuse development, including 10-story condo buildings with shops. About 30 RVs remained earlier in the week in the 1970s-era park, which also used to house vacationers from around the world. State law requires property owners give long-term residents at least 60 days' notice to vacate RV parks. While relocation and closure plans are required when mobile home parks shut down, no benefits are mandated for RV park residents. If residents refuse to leave by Sunday, they will face eviction.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/homepage/article_1400243.php)


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[Tom Morrow]

Commission rejects plan for homes next to Disneyland


Commission rejects plan for homes next to Disneyland (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1551936.php)
Developer, who would build lower-cost units,
will appeal to Anaheim council
Orange County Register - CA

A city panel Monday rejected a plan to allow new homes next to Disney property, but an appeal is expected. At a Planning Commission meeting, Disneyland and tourist-business officials spoke against the proposal to permit residential uses in the Anaheim Resort, saying it could hurt tourism expansion. But affordable-housing and union officials praised the plan as a way to put low-cost residences near where resort employees work.

Five commission members opposed the plan, saying it went against a 13-year-old city outline to set aside the 26.7-acre plot for new visitor uses. "It's incompatible now. It will be incompatible in the future," Commissioner Stephen Faessel said.

Commissioner Cecilia Flores was absent and Commissioner Kelly Buffa abstained because she has business with SunCal, the developer that wants to build 1,500 homes, including 200 affordable apartments, on the site. Mostly mobile homes sit there now. SunCal's consultant Frank Elfend said he would appeal it to the City Council. Three council members already back the residential plan.


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[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim council to vote on housing issue



Council to vote on housing near Disneyland amid controversy (http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=6079625&nav=9qrx)
KESQ - Palm Desert, CA Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Anaheim's council chambers won't be the happiest place on earth tonight, when Disney allies and affordable housing advocates square off over whether to build apartments and condos near Disneyland. Council members will vote on whether to approve to permit 225 apartments and some 13-hundred condominiums in the resort district. Disney officials say the development would disrupt the tourist environment and street scene it has worked hard to create outside the gates to Disneyland and California Adventure. But the proposal's backers say Orange County's second largest city is in dire need of more housing. They say the low-cost homes included in the proposal are especially necessary to house the resort district's work force.



Editorial: No need to resort to zoning change (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/homepage/article_1577472.php)
Orange County Register - CA
The Anaheim City Council will decide today whether to allow SunCal Cos. to develop a high-density residential development within the 2.2-square-mile Anaheim Resort area. Although we favor allowing developers the utmost latitude to build what they want to build on private property, we agree with the Planning Commission, which rejected this project as incompatible with the area's resort zoning.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/homepage/article_1577472.php)



Opinion: Homes and tourists not a good fit (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/homepage/article_1577471.php)
Orange County Register - CA
Vision is a terrible thing to waste; especially when it works. Unfortunately, Anaheim might be losing sight of its successful long-term vision for the area surrounding Disneyland. A scheme by developer SunCal to add residential units within the Anaheim Resort area has urban planners like me, who helped create the original vision, wondering: What could the city be thinking? Why would Anaheim put the self-interests of a single developer above the best interests of all its citizens? Why would any city modify a general plan for a single project absent any drawings or details of what that project is to be or how it will fit into its environment?
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/homepage/article_1577471.php)



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[Tom Morrow]

Resort housing plan is rejected



Resort housing plan is rejected (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1579139.php)
Disney succeeded in fighting a proposal to allow residences across the street from its property
Orange County Register - CA
A controversial plan to allow new homes in the Anaheim Resort was shot down Tuesday night. The council deadlocked 2-2 on the proposal, with one abstension. In the case of a council tie, the city must revert to the decision of a lower panel. The Planning Commission rejected the plan last month, so that vote is sticking as the final decision.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1579139.php)



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[Circlevision91]

Another example of the government taking away land ownership... sort of.

[Ezra]

The developers purchaed a plot of land in a resort zone. They're perfectly free to build hotels, timeshare apartments, retail stores and restaurants there. They knew this when they purchased it. Nothing has been taken away from them. If they wanted to build housing, they should have purchased land in the residential zone just on the other side of the freeway.

Most likely you live in a residential zone. If there were an empty lot next to your house, someone could buy it and build a house there. But if somebody put up a factory full of machines that made loud noises all night long, you wouldn't be very happy about it. Zoning laws prevent that from happening to you.

[NaviMap]

Rezoning that particular piece of land to residential use would greatly limit Disney's ability in what they can develop on their property across the street.

And it looks like you can thank Disney for the abstention by that one councilmember. But after seeing the following story, the issue doesn't seem to be dead yet.


Councilwoman questions conflict (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/communities/anaheim/article_1581590.php)
Orange County Register
ANAHEIM - A council member is questioning whether she needed to abstain from a key vote on a failed Anaheim Resort housing proposal that the Disney Corp. opposed. The Councilwoman declared a conflict of interest on the vote on the zoning change this week because she has an agreement to open a business at the under-construction Anaheim GardenWalk mall, which could benefit from new residents nearby.

Today, she asked the City Attorney to seek clarification from the state Fair Political Practices Commission about whether the abstention was necessary. If not, she would like a re-vote. Officials for SunCal, which wanted to build 1,500 homes including affordable apartments on the land, also are researching the matter and may challenge the vote, said SunCal's consultant.

Kring would have been the swing vote on the contentious matter, which pitted Disney and business leaders against affordable housing advocates. The zoning change died in a 2-2 vote. Because of the tie, the Planning Commission's earlier denial stood as the final decision.

Full Article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/communities/anaheim/article_1581590.php)

[Ezra]

Another great find! Thanks, NaviMap! http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/images/icons/icon13.gif

Of course, Lucille Kring is asking for clarification from the same City Attourney who recommended that she abstain, so I doubt that he'll reverse himself. We'll just have to wait and see.

I remember Disneyland surrounded by seedy weekly/monthy motels and ugly strip malls of ticky-tacky souvenir shops. Basically it was a slum. It's really nice now, and thats because the resort zoning works. I can't blame Disney for defending the resort zone so vigorously.

On the other hand, if they're considering building a water-park on the strawberry fields, they could benefit from having 1500 people living right across the street.

[Tom Morrow]

Disney sues Anaheim over development


Disney sues city over development (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1592045.php)
The Walt Disney World Co. is trying to stop the city from allowing projects into the Anaheim Resort area without full environmental study.
Orange County Register - CA

The Walt Disney World Co. filed Monday what is believed to be its first-ever lawsuit against the city of Anaheim, claiming legal action is needed to protect the tourist area from inappropriate development. The Orange County Superior Court suit came less than two weeks after Disney officials led business leaders in fighting a City Council proposal to allow homes on a plot in the Anaheim Resort. The plan was rejected in a 2-2 vote.

Disney officials said the lawsuit is necessary to ensure that this development and others go through required environmental studies, which they claim were skipped in this proposal. City staffers have said previous reviews were sufficient. "Our concern is, this could quickly unravel the Anaheim Resort area and the golden egg that it is for Anaheim," said Rob Doughty, a Disneyland Resort spokesman.

Mayor Curt Pringle, who was against the residential plan, said he would leave it to the lawyers to consider the merits of the case. But he said the lawsuit was a dramatic step on the part of Disney, the city's largest employer that is the center of the resort where much of the local taxes are generated. "This is a very significant action. This is something that we should not take lightly," Pringle said.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1592045.php)

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[NaviMap]

A serious move by Disney that they are going to fight to make sure this high density residential plan will never be resurrected.

I'd like to think that if Disney is fighting so hard against a residential development, that Disney believes that this particular high-density residential development can really thwart what Disney wants to build on their own property. What can Disney possibly build that would be a NIMBY to this residential development. It would seem Disney wants nothing to obstruct their opportunity to pursue big plans on their own property.

I'd like to believe that they are expending these resources and taking all these extraordinary steps fighting against this to defend bigger plans than a waterpark or hotel resort.

[Tom Morrow]

Disneyland is suing its hometown of Anaheim


Not the happiest place on Earth (http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/02/27/PM200702273.html)
American Public Media - Marketplace
Disneyland is suing its hometown of Anaheim, Calif. The park wants to make sure no new housing goes up within two miles of its front door. Pat Loeb reports.Listen to the story (http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/02/27/PM200702273.html)

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/files/15227-harbor_before.jpg

In these photos supplied by Disney, Harbor Boulevard outside Disneyland is shown circa 1992 (top), before the plan that protected the tourist district from inappropriate development. The other photo was taken recently, 12 years after the plan went into effect.
(Disney photos)

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/files/15227-harbor_after.jpg

complete audio and transcript (http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/02/27/PM200702273.html)



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[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim Resort housing proposal seeks backers

Anaheim Resort housing proposal seeks backers (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/homepage/article_1596274.php)
Orange County Register - CA

Two council members are seeking a compromise between the interests of Disney and affordable housing supporters over the best use of land in the Anaheim Resort. Mayor Curt Pringle and Councilman Harry Sidhu are trying to bring together both sides of the divisive issue over whether to allow new homes near Disneyland. Disney filed a lawsuit over the matter this week.

Pringle and Sidhu proposed that tourist venues go along main thoroughfares with houses, including affordable units, tucked behind them on two plots in the resort, instead of allowing solely residences. Pringle said an already proposed mixed-use development, including 449 homes, should also be part of discussions.

The pair laid out the ideas at this week's council meeting, just two weeks after voting against a residential zoning plan on one plot that Disney protested and affordable housing advocates backed.
continue reading (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/homepage/article_1596274.php)


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[Tom Morrow]

Wrestling with a giant


Wrestling with a giant (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/columns/article_1596693.php)
The Orange County Register - CA

Disney officials tend to be a quiet sort. I've always viewed Disney as a sleeping giant, like the character in its 1922 "Jack and the Beanstalk" production. Well, now someone has gone and messed with the goose that lays the golden eggs, and the rest of us get to watch Disney get quite animated over the situation. Fee! Fie! Foe! Fum!

The golden goose is the Anaheim Resort area – the 2.2-square-mile area including the Disneyland and California Adventure parks and other company properties. The Disneyland Resort alone annually generates $3.6 billion in economic impact and supports 65,700 jobs, while the Disneyland Resort and its guests pay $225 million annually in taxes to local governments. The entire Resort area generates almost half the entire city's tax revenue.

This area's zoning provisions are at the heart of the Disney tussle with the city of Anaheim.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/columns/article_1596693.php)



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[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim set to battle Disney in court


Anaheim has partner to fight suit (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1600787.php)
Developer SunCal will pay the legal fees
in a case Disney filed against housing
Orange County Register - CA

The City Council agreed Tuesday to move forward in its legal battle with the Walt Disney World Co., which filed a lawsuit against the city last week related to building new homes in the Anaheim Resort area. Council members, in closed session, agreed to team up with attorneys representing developer SunCal, which will shoulder all legal costs, said City Attorney Jack White.

The Disney lawsuit came after SunCal's proposal to build 1,500 homes, including 200 affordable units, sank in a 2-2 council vote in February. Disney officials, the city's largest employer, with support from business leaders, say a home-building proposal was a bad fit with the hotels and tourist venues envisioned for the area.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1600787.php)



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[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim resort ballot drive


Anaheim resort ballot drive (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1624249.php)
Group seeks to limit changes to tourist area without voter approval
Orange County Register - CA
In an attempt to send a message to the City Council, a coalition of businesses in the Disneyland resort area have taken steps to put an initiative on the February 2008 ballot that would require voter approval for any housing plans within the resort area. Members of the just-formed Save Our Anaheim Resort – or SOAR, a coalition of resort-area business leaders that includes the Walt Disney World Co. – announced the initiative at a news conference today at the Doubletree Hotel.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1624249.php)






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[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim City Council will reconsider zoning change



Anaheim sets date set for zoning vote (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1625195.php)
The Anaheim City Council will reconsider a zoning change that would open up the possibility of homes near Disneyland, an idea the park and other businesses oppose
Orange County Register - CA

The City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday night to vote again on a zoning change that would open the way for 1,500 homes to be built in Anaheim's resort area, a proposal business leaders, including the Walt Disney Co., strongly oppose.

The council deadlocked on the zone change in February, with Councilwoman Lucille Kring abstaining after Disney officials suggested she step aside because of her planned wine bar near the homes. But the state's Fair Political Practices Commission on Monday said Kring can vote. And Tuesday night she broke the tie to set up an April 24 showdown when the council will again consider the zone change.

About 100 people attended Tuesday's meeting. Many affordable-housing supporters – 200 such units could be built – backed the development. Business leaders, meanwhile, say housing and the business district wouldn't mix well. Kring says she hasn't decided how she will vote.

Disney has sued regarding the project's environmental documents, and along with other business leaders, vowed to get an initiative onto the city ballot that would require voters to approve significant resort-area changes.



Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Another Anaheim proposition may be in works



Another Anaheim proposition may be in works (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1629266.php)
Councilwoman says she may seek measure calling for housing in response to Disneyland-area business petition drive
Orange County Register - CA
Voters could find an alternative proposition on the same ballot as an initiative spearheaded by a Disneyland-area business coalition that would require voter approval for resort housing projects, a council member said. Councilwoman Lorri Galloway said she may ask the City Council to vote to put a counterinitiative on the ballot, which might require more housing or mandate businesses to pay for housing needs created by their employees. She said interested citizens began studying the option after the business coalition filed its ballot initiative Monday.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1629266.php)


Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Developers seek more resort housing


Developers seek more resort housing (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1637666.php)
Orange County Register - CA
Proposals to build housing are popping up around Disney's theme parks ? and resort officials are worried more are coming. At least four property owners want residential zoning in the Anaheim Resort area, while a business coalition is pushing for a ballot initiative to deter new housing in the popular tourist zone. Disney officials worry that other developers might be looking at nine parcels available in the 2.2-square-mile area where new homes are banned.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1637666.php)


</p>

[WrongWay]

200 affordable housing units??? Come on people. That is bait and switch. It is pure PR to make Disney look bad.

There will be tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people applying for those 200 units.

Affordable housing? No way. This is about 1300 condos that will sell for $300K+. What is that? $400 million. Heck, they could go for as much as $400K each unit. $525 million???

This is not about affordable housing. It is about half a billion dollars for the company that wants the zoning changed.

No way. Keep the housing out of the resort district.

[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim RV park to reopen



Anaheim RV park to reopen (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1640359.php)
Owner of Disneyland-area park planned housing there,
but now expects delays because of Disney-led opposition
Orange County Register - CA

Motor homes soon will roll back into a Disneyland-area RV park closed months ago to make way for a new development. The landowner is expecting long delays in approval of the project because of a Disney-led, anti-housing campaign in the Anaheim Resort. So, he plans to reopen the former Travelers World RV Park by May to make money in the meantime.

"Operating as an RV park, we can fund our defensive strategy if we need to take one," said David DiRienzo, Urban West president.

Disney and resort business officials launched a ballot initiative that would require voter approval of new homes in the 2.2-square-mile resort district. The initiative, which would be retroactive to March 19, could interfere with Urban West's plans to build 449 homes and shops. Disney officials are against any residences in the 13-year-old resort zone, which now forbids new housing.

Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Mayor wants a compromise for the Resort Area


Opinion: A compromise for the Resort Area (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/homepage/article_1647839.php)
We can increase affordable housing
and maintain nature of the tourism zone
Orange County Register - CA

By CURT PRINGLE
Mayor of Anaheim
You know that old saying about not biting that hand that feeds you? I fear that we in Anaheim are on the verge of doing just that. There is no disputing that the Anaheim Resort Area drives one of the most important economic engines of Orange County: tourism. Recently, a developer asked for a zoning change to allow new residential development, currently prohibited, within the Resort Area. That request has generated much discussion about the future of the Resort Area and the need for more affordable housing in our community.

I do not believe the city should allow this property to be rezoned. There is great value to our community in maintaining the integrity of the Resort Area. But with the benefit of 225 new affordable housing units (to replace 250 older mobile homes), the rezoning request has received the support of two council members and possibly could pass at a scheduled hearing April 24.

Therefore, my council colleague Harry Sidhu and I offer a compromise on this property and one other property on South Harbor Boulevard where residential development is being considered: Maintain the frontage properties on Katella Avenue, Haster Street and Harbor for hotel or commercial uses but allow the back portion of the acreage to be removed from the "resort" designation and rezoned to residential, with a requirement that 15 percent of any units be affordable. At the same time, we seek a charter amendment that would restrict such zone changes in the future without a vote of the people.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/homepage/article_1647839.php)


</p>

[WrongWay]

This isn't a compromise.

What happens when that moble home park is convert into condos, then Disney tries to build a theme park in the Strawberry Patch, and suddenly all those new neighbors that are not on Harbor, but would be right up against the back of the new park, start to complain about how much traffic and noise the new park will create.


Affordable housing my hind-end. 200 units that will go to the lucky few of the many hundreds of thousands that apply. That is a red harring meant to distract from the fact that this zoning change will make the owners of that chunk of land hundreds of millions of dollars at the expense of Disney, and all of us that look forward to teh third gate.


It is a resort district. The current owners got the land more cheaply becuase they could not use it for housing. Go buy land somewhere else, and build that affordable housing there!


How about this???? EVERYONE that ever moves into a condo on that land has to sign a contract saying they realize they are moving into a resort district, that they are HIGHLY likely to be inconveinenced by noise, traffic and other issues associated with a resort area, and if they EVER complain about noise, traffic, or other issues associated with a resort district, they or their landlord, immediatly lose all rights of ownership to the property!

[PeoplemoverMatt]

Now, if you're the landlord, and you present THAT to a prospective tenant, you're then put in a rather undesired situation. It would be like someone building a restaurant, then giving menus to customers that read 'If you eat here, prepare to have the WORST, FOUL and MOST ROTTEN meal you've EVER eaten in your life!!!' No business owner in his right mind would do something like that.

-- PMM :cool:

[WrongWay]

Now, if you're the landlord, and you present THAT to a prospective tenant, you're then put in a rather undesired situation. It would be like someone building a restaurant, then giving menus to customers that read 'If you eat here, prepare to have the WORST, FOUL and MOST ROTTEN meal you've EVER eaten in your life!!!' No business owner in his right mind would do something like that.

-- PMM :cool:

That is my point.

They want to build housing in a resort district? Then people moving in should be told what it is going to be like, and forced to shut up and live with their decision.

But of course, they'll move in, then whine like babies about traffic and noise.

People suck.

[Tom Morrow]

Council to re-hear zoning change proposal for Disneyland Resort area (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1661483.php)
Orange County Register - CA

The showdown over new housing in the Anaheim Resort area is set for Tuesday's City Council meeting.

The original vote in February deadlocked in a 2-2 vote after Councilwoman Lucille Kring abstained because she plans to open a business near the area. But after the state's Fair Political Practices Commission ruled Kring can vote, the majority of council members in March agreed to a revote.

At issue is a zone change that could bring about 1,500 new homes to the area, including affordable housing, by developer SunCal Cos. Business leaders and the Walt Disney World Co. have publicly opposed the project. Disney is now suing the city over the project's environmental documents.

The council will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 24th at City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Information: 714-765-5166.


Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Disneynovice]

Lets keep our fingers crossed that logic and common sense will prevail, lest we lose our opportunity of a 3rd gate................
Oh, and I guess that prayers would'nt hurt either.

[Tom Morrow]

Affordable-housing debate grows


Affordable-housing debate grows for Disney employees (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1665887.php)
Some say that Disney should provide low-cost homes for its workers, while others say the company's role is not one of home developer
Orange County Register - CA
City officials have requested that Disney pay for new homes as its theme parks and hotels have expanded. Business officials say it's Disney's role to promote jobs, not build houses. While affordable-housing advocates say Disney should help its employees and the city with the housing needs that it creates.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1665887.php)


</p>

[Ezra]

Okay, now we're getting to the real issue. The city wants low income housing projects, but doesn't want to pay for them. Developers only want to build high-profile projects that only include the requred 12% low income. So the city wants Disney to kick in $30 million and build them, since Diney "created the need" by employing so many people.

Anaheim seems a little ungrateful, with their teeth sunk in the hand that gives them so much employment and tax revenue, in my personal opinion.

[Disneynovice]

Low income housing, next to Disneyland......
Now THERE is an oxymoron if I've ever heard one.
What in the world are these people thinking? Am I the only one that thinks that line of logic is, well for lack of a better term, moronic, and just plain willfully ignorant of the facts of basic economics? If you put in any kind of housing in that type of area, it will simply get re-developed at a later date into something that will be out of the income range of all but the most wealthy. If you do not learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it.

[Tom Morrow]

Reader rebuttal by City Council member Lori Galloway


Reader rebuttal: Anaheim resort (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/readerrebuttals/article_1652017.php)
By LORI GALLOWAY
Member of the Anaheim City Council
Orange County Register - CA

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle has proposed what he calls a compromise between Disney and a developer, to allow some residential units to be built in at least part of the Resort Area, but keep the front of this property for hotels and commercial uses only [A compromise for the Resort Area (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/abox/article_1647839.php), The Orange Grove, April 11]. I have a different proposal.

The Anaheim resort's tremendous growth has had unanticipated consequences for our community. The lack of nearby housing opportunities for resort workers causes overcrowding in our neighborhoods, a tremendous lack of parking, and puts too much traffic on our streets. Sadly, some resort industry employees have no choice but to live, day to day, in motels that were meant to serve visitors and many more families double and triple up in apartments just to make ends meet.

Anaheim does not have a hotel crisis. It has a housing crisis. The hiring of tens of thousands of resort employees, most of whom are low-wage earners, has caused an environmental impact that must be mitigated. The stark reality of Anaheim's housing needs was presented in a 2005 workshop showing an existing need for 27,600 affordable housing rentals. If these housing units are prohibited in the resort area, where the majority of need is created, which of our neighborhoods will step up and volunteer to place it in their community? Unless viable housing alternatives are proposed, resort area housing should not be banned.

The 1994 Resort Plan negotiated between the city of Anaheim and Disney is now antiquated and woefully inadequate. Its only recognition of the housing and overcrowding issue was an agreement by Disney to provide 500 affordable housing units to Anaheim, which has never been done. The plan will eventually eliminate the workforce housing that currently exists (thousands of rental units) with no plans to replace them.

It's time to renegotiate. We must forge a new partnership for growth in the resort, one that addresses the needs of everyone who lives or works in this community and assures that our quality of life is improved – not diminished – by continued, necessary growth in the resort industry.

I propose the creation of a new collaborative partnership – a city sponsored commission that includes two council members, Disney representatives and housing experts with the sole purpose of creating overarching systemic solutions to resort housing issues. Public-private partnerships often result in the best solutions. The sharing of resources and expertise is unbeatable. After a 52-year relationship, Anaheim and Disney should continue to work together – not apart. The spirit of the people of Anaheim and the magic of Disney can create miracles.




Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Resort housing vote today


Resort housing vote today (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1667305.php)
Hundreds are expected at hearing on a residential zoning change, which Disney is fighting and affordable-housing advocates are support
Orange County Register - CA

One flier asks if residents want "Anaheim or Disneyheim?" ? warning that the Walt Disney Co. is trying to halt needed homes. Another mailer pushes for the protection of the land around Disneyland from housing developers who could drive out business and tourists.

Both sides sent cards over the past week in anticipation of today's City Council reconsideration of a plan to allow new homes on a plot in the Anaheim Resort district. Hundreds of people are expected at the meeting; City Hall has received about 270 calls on the issue.

At issue is whether homes should go in the resort area now reserved for new tourism-related businesses. Developer SunCal wants to build 1,500 units, including 225 affordable apartments, on a plot where mobile homes sit across from Disney property.

How the council will vote is still unclear.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1667305.php)


Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[PeoplemoverMatt]

Isn't this the exact reason why the whole concept of 'Resort zone' was created - so this wouldn't happen? Seriously, the City of Anaheim shouldn't even be considering this. They approved Resort zoning, put the project outside of the Resort zone.

-- PMM :cool:

[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim defies Disney on housing plan


Anaheim defies Disney on housing plan (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1668443.php)
The council votes 3-2 in favor of a proposal for affordable housing in Anaheim Resort area
Orange County Register - CA

The City Council defied Disney's wishes by approving a zoning change that could pave the way for 1,500 homes across from its property. Early Wednesday, the council voted 3-2 in favor a plan to allow residences in the Anaheim Resort, which was reserved for tourism businesses.

Mayor Curt Pringle and Councilman Harry Sidhu voted against the matter after a six-hour discussion. The council reconsidered the issue after deadlocking two months ago. Councilwoman Lucille Kring, who abstained last time and then refused to say how she would vote beforehand, ended up siding with housing advocates.

About 400 people showed up. A half hour before the meeting started, firefighters blocked the 156-capacity council chambers because it was already packed. Others stood in the lobby or sat on about 50 extra chairs where they watched the meeting on monitors.

Affordable-housing supporters and resort workers begged for low-cost homes, while Disney and business leaders pleaded to keep homes out of the area set for tourism uses. About 30 speakers spoke on each side.

The approval came despite Disney's repeated protests, a lawsuit and threat of a ballot measure to deter new homes in the resort. Disney and other business officials vowed to keep fighting. Todd Ament, Anaheim Chamber of Commerce president, announced that the coalition has gathered the 20,000 signatures needed to put the item on the ballot. Coalition members are expected to file signatures within two weeks. A ballot measure would be retroactive and could halt the project.

"Allowing residential development in the Resort Area will stunt future growth of the local economy and significantly reduce future tax revenues," said Rob Doughty, Disneyland Resort spokesman, in a prepared statement. Disney is suing the city related to environmental documents tied to the zoning change, which must be approved for any project. The suit could tie up plans.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1668443.php)


Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Disneynovice]

Expletive deleted.
I would have to say that Anaheim just shot themselves in the foot, in a VERY big way.
-------OR-------
"I fear that all we have done, is to awaken a sleeping giant"

[PeoplemoverMatt]

Way to go Anaheim, pay for someone to build a slum instead of paying nothing for Disney to build a 3rd theme park or another company to build a hotel complex or other far greater tax revenue-producing enterprise on that land.

There were TONS of other alternatives the city could have explored, but noooooooo....

-- PMM :cool:

[mrhappybomb]

what a wast of Space I think, never heard of this Resort Zone but I have a good Idea of what it actually is, and if the Resort zone is owned by Disney shouldn't Disney be aloud to decide what goes in that space and what doesn't and not the City?

[PeoplemoverMatt]

No because simple 'zoning' does not mean Disney owns the land. In any city, the city council zones any land that could be developed to be developed for a purpose. Sim City players are familiar with the zoning concept. Land is zoned either for residential, commercial, industrial, utility, government use, airport, resort, etc.

Prior to the expansion of Disneyland from a simple theme park w/ hotel and parking lot to a huge 2-park, 3-hotel, massive parking structure, outdoor shopping area Resort, Disney negotiated the land surrounding its planned Resort to be zoned 'Resort' to prevent certain things being developed around it that would tarnish the surroundings of the Resort.

The issued stemmed from when Disneyland was first built, and a large number of 2-bit cheap motels sprang up right across the street from the property line and Walt absolutely hated it. Up until the Resort expansion, the area surrounding Disneyland looked pretty bad. In return for the zoning, Disney contributed money to spruce up the area. You see this today in the form of lots of landscaping (trees), beautified stretches of Katella, West, Harbor & Ball, and improved exits/entrances to I-5 near Disneyland including a special Carpool exit ramp and express lanes on the re-named Disneyland Drive.

It went a long way in improving the surround area around Disneyland. This ruling just took a giant step backwards IMO. Low-income housing supporters claimed it was necessary because those working for Disneyland making minimum wage or something close to that can't afford OC housing. However true or not that is, this ruling fails to restrict the owner of the new development to ONLY offer the homes to those workers who were touted as being afflicted. Instead, the housing's going to be offered to anyone interested in purchasing low-income housing.

Now anyone honest with himself knows that a low-income housing area is not as 'good' an area as higher-end areas. Many people feel uncomfortable finding themselves in those areas, especially when their kids are present as well, which they will be in this case. Those areas have higher crime and a run-down appearance more often than not.

I'm not saying low income housing is a bad thing, but placing it across the street from Disneyland is just a bad idea. Especially when the City of Anaheim could have offered an alternative location, and provided something like free bus passes to those who needed transportation from there to their places of work at Disneyland or elsewhere. But instead, they failed to consider the alternatives and took a large step backwards in terms of the improvements that came with the Resort zoning.

-- PMM :cool:

[Disneynovice]

You know, another thought comes to mind, if you think about it, how long are those units going to stay "low income"? If someone comes in to a new unit, as a qualified low income individual, or family, that is all well and good. Now that same individual/ family goes to move to a larger set of digs, or smaller, as the case may be, and they are putting said "low income" property on the market, and the price is through the roof, and why? Well gee, it is across the street from "The Happiest Place On Earth". Wonder why the price went so high?
Come on guys this isn't rocket science, and somethin' is smellin' rotten in Anaheim, especially judging from some of the responses from the council members quoted in the article.
To say that I am dissapointed, and disgusted with this decision is an understatement. I sure hope that everyone comes to their senses, and sees the folly of this path.

[ClassicDisney]

Well if they are goign to be even considering putting in low income housing, they need to focus on keeping the area up. In my opinion, there is already enough low income housing in Anaheim between all the apartments, and small homes. The problem is, like PMM said, the low income housing won't be reserved for disneyland employees. On top of that, why is Anaheim slapping Disney in the face. Disneyland has boosted the economy their so smuch, and has transformed that area. Way to go Anaheim...

[PeoplemoverMatt]

I don't really blame Anaheim here, I blame the nutcases who look at any big business in the world as the world's enemy who must be defeated. These are the people who won a lawsuit for a little old lady who sued McDonald's after spilling coffee on herself because the coffee was hot. These people urke me to no end.

I'm disappointed with Anaheim's decision to bend a knee to these people instead of supporting their largest employer and party responsible for putting the City of Anaheim on the map. Anaheim needs Disney more than Disney needs Anaheim, and the logic of that one low-income housing supporter saying 'oh Disney's not going to just take its mouse and leave' is foolhardy.

Given the global direction Disney Parks & Resorts wants to take, our Disneyland in Anaheim is the anomaly, not the norm. Disney wants to build mini-WDW's around the world and uses huge plots of land in order to do it. It is not a good idea to push the Board of Directors into further thinking that the Anaheim property is too much trouble for its own good given its location, or they WILL take the Mouse out of Anaheim and go elsewhere with it.

Imagine the response if Disney left Anaheim leaving WDW as the USA's only Disney Resort. Not saying this one issue's going to do that, but if this becomes a trend, it could happen. No one ever thought the Florida Animation Studios could close either, but they did...

-- PMM :cool:

[Tom Morrow]

Referendum may overrule council


Referendum may overrule council (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1672223.php)
A Disney-led coalition is pushing for another ballot item to kill zoning change
Orange County Register - CA

A Disney-led business coalition on Thursday launched a referendum to toss out the City Council's approval of residential zoning near its theme parks. The coalition, called Save Our Anaheim Resort, took out petitions for the measure just one day after the council's 3-2 vote on the plan that could pave the way for developer SunCal to build 1,500 homes in the Anaheim Resort area.

The referendum could go onto the February ballot, along with a previously announced initiative meant to deter all housing projects in the resort area geared for tourist uses.

"It is disappointing that once again the Disney Corporation is escalating Disney's war with the city of Anaheim," said Frank Elfend, SunCal's consultant, in a prepared statement. "Disney's new referendum is just another intimidation and bullying tactic to force their will on Anaheim."

Mayor Curt Pringle and Councilman Harry Sidhu, who voted against the housing plan, were among the 25 or so business, civic and neighborhood leaders who stood up at Thursday's press conference to announce the referendum. No Disney representatives spoke.

The coalition has 30 days to collect about 13,200 signatures to put the item onto the ballot. No action could be taken on the project once those signatures are verified, Pringle said.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1672223.php)


Information: www.soaranaheim.com (http://www.soaranaheim.com).

To read arguments in favor of residential housing, go to www.ProtectAnaheim.com (http://www.protectanaheim.com).



Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[PeoplemoverMatt]

"It is disappointing that once again the Disney Corporation is escalating Disney's war with the city of Anaheim," said Frank Elfend, SunCal's consultant, in a prepared statement. "Disney's new referendum is just another intimidation and bullying tactic to force their will on Anaheim."

And what exactly do you think you did to the City Council hmm? It seems YOU are the one with the war. You want to battle Anaheim, battle it's largest employer - Disney, and you want to intimidate, bully and guilt trip everyone so YOU get what YOU want. YOU are the ones trying to forces your will on Anaheim, not Disney. Such hypocracy!

Affordable-housing advocates have backed the new zoning plan because of the 225 low-cost apartments that would be included in the proposed development. Supporters already are planning to launch a counter-initiative, including a possible tax on Disney to fund homes. An announcement could be made next week.

Wait, what? Out of 1,500 homes only 225 are of the low cost housing type, not all of them?! Wow, and it still passed? Oyi ve...

A Disney-led coalition will launch a ballot referendum to kill the City Council's approval of residential zoning near its theme parks.

The Save Our Anaheim Resort group, or SOAR, announced the move today -- one day after the council voted 3-2 for the plan that would pave the way for a 1,500-home project across from Disney property.

"It's my passion and my responsibility to ensure that the city is financially secure, both now and for the future," said Mayor Curt Pringle, who voted against the zoning.

Hmmm...doesn't sound like the Mayor of Anaheim is exactly in a war with Disney here, as the SunCal Rep would have us believe. It sounds like the Mayor himself doesn't believe this is a good idea for the City of Anaheim. If Disney really was 'bullying' I doubt the Mayor would sound like this.

So it seems to me the only bullies here are the SunCal group and the so-called low income housing advocates who think they can trample over whatever laws were already established, like the Resort zoning, just to get what they want. This is why these people urke me to no end. They accuse the big business who they see as the world's biggest enemy of the very things they themselves do. And often times they're successful at it because of the combination of that and of the guilt trips they send voters down.

If the reality is that out of 1,500 homes, only 2235 are these low-cost apartments, then this is really a case of the wool being pulled over folks' eyes, wolf in sheep's clothing, etc type of case. Unfortunately it seems the Anaheim City Council bought it, but thankfully there are such checks & balances in place such as these petitions. Gotta love self-government at work there. :smile:

-- PMM :cool:

[kodiak]

Personally, I find this whole thing more than just a little ironic. Does the city of Anaheim even know that they are assaulting the sole reason they even exist??
Before Disneyland, Anaheim was...... ORANGES. It was nothing. Thanks to Disney, it among the most popular destinations in the WORLD. Anaheim exists in its current state because Disneyland exists. It employs. It is the cause of the many hotels that employ. It is the cause of the restaurants that employ. DIsneyland is the life blood of the town and they are fighting it???

[PeoplemoverMatt]

It doesn't look like the City is fighting Disney here. Looks to me like the low-income housing folks, and the folks who want to build the thing and make oodles of dollars doing it, are the ones doing the fighting. City Council seems to be doing a lot more cracking than fighting...

Question is how many negative consequences will end up falling through those cracks?

-- PMM :cool:

[kodiak]

who does the land in question belong to? I have always had a huge problem with anybody telling anybody what to do with their own property.

anyway.... I agree. It seems like a small minority that stand to make monitary gain. They are tacking the "low income housing" tag on it so Disney will look like the ogre trying to put down the little guy. personally, I am the little guy and frankly... it doesnt sound like a good decision for the city to make.

[mousecrazy]

If you do not learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it.

Winston Churchill!!! Love it... :biggrin:

[Disneynovice]

My Dad used to say something to which I subscribe;
"Stupid people should not reproduce"
And one of my faves is from Carlos Mencia;
"You know what the biggest problem is with the world today? Too many stupid people, and nothin' around to eat 'em!!!!"
I think, and this is only MY opinion, that some council members in Anaheim, and a few people who stand to profit from this, are biting the hand that feeds, and the principle of reciprocity (what goes around, comes around, I.E. karma) will ALWAYS serve to teach the lessons, to those who CHOOSE to remain ignorant of the big picture.

[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim my pull funds from Chamber of Commerce


City May Pull Funds From Pro-Disney CofC (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4782123.html)
Houston Chronicle - TX

Councilwoman Lorri Galloway wants the city to stop paying $205,000 a year to the Chamber of Commerce because the business group has taken a lead role in helping Disney fight a zoning decision allowing low-income housing near Disneyland.

"The chamber is supposed to be promoting businesses, not pitting them against each other. Why should we give them one dime?" the councilwoman asked.

The chamber is organizing two Disney-backed ballot measures, an initiative and a referendum, aimed at preserving nonresidential zoning in the area surrounding Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure.

"We're giving them up to $200,000 a year to promote and work with Anaheim's businesses, not to do referendums against the city," Galloway said.

Last week, the City Council voted 3-2 to approve a zoning change paving the way for 1,500 condominiums just blocks from Disneyland and across the street from Disney-owned land that could one day hold another amusement park. The development would include about 225 low-income units.

The chamber's 41-member board voted overwhelmingly in November to take Disney's side in the housing dispute. The $205,000 the Chamber of Commerce received from the city this year represents about 9 percent its annual budget.

"Our contract doesn't preclude us from taking positions contrary to the positions of elected officials," said Todd Ament, a chamber member and co-chairman of Save Our Anaheim Resort District, which is pushing the measures.




</p>

[PeoplemoverMatt]

"The chamber is supposed to be doing what I want, not supporting what I voted against. Why should we give them one dime?" the councilwoman asked.

Fixed.

-- PMM :cool:

[Tom Morrow]

Petitioners clash over housing referendum



Petitioners clash over housing referendum (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1695938.php)
A Disney-funded ballot measure is drawing ire from opponents
Orange County Register - CA

The dispute between Disney and a housing developer is heating up as the deadline nears on a ballot referendum to overturn a residential zoning plan. Police responded twice to clashes between signature collectors. Council members sent dueling phone messages. And both sides have set up tables all over town.


At the downtown Farmer's Market on Thursday, three officers came to a report of petitioners badgering customers, said Sgt. Rick Martinez, Anaheim police spokesman. Witnesses said two SunCal petitioners were getting in the way of a Disney coalition table.

John Rubly, who ran a jewelry booth next to that table, said petitioners blocked his table. "My customers probably would have made a purchase, but they left because they didn't want to be bothered by these petitioners. It was very unprofessional," Rubly said.

Police made no arrests.


On Saturday, police again were called, this time to a "disturbance" in front of a Vons in Anaheim Hills, Martinez said. John Lewis, a SunCal political consultant, said opponents showed up where petitioners were already staged. "SOAR people got in their face and tried to intimidate them," Lewis said.

Todd Ament, co-chairman of the Disney group, said he set up chairs with his three daughters away from opponents, but two petitioners blocked their way. When Ament tried to move, they kept standing in front and called three more people. Ament called police. "I had no clue they would get that close, that physical, that boisterous," Ament said.

The store manager and police asked both sides to leave.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/article_1695938.php)





Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Housing Plan Turns Disney Grumpy




Housing Plan Turns Disney Grumpy (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/20/realestate/20nati.html)
The New York Times

For 52 years, the Walt Disney Company has called Disneyland, its Southern California theme park, “the happiest place on earth.” But now Disney is angry that the city of Anaheim, where the park is based, has approved plans for 1,500 apartments on a site zoned for tourist facilities.

In February, Disney sued the city, hoping to force it to abandon the decision permitting the project. The development would have 225 subsidized units, and advocates of affordable housing are accusing Disney of turning its back on low-income residents, including many of its own employees. Disney argues that it is simply trying to make Anaheim an attractive place for tourists.

In the 1950s, Walt Disney, the company’s founder, bought 244 acres in Anaheim, for which he paid about $4,500 an acre. By the time the park opened, in 1955, Disney wished it had bought more. In fact, Disneyland’s success spawned thousands of acres of development around the park including some that the company found tacky. The disputes that arose have forced Anaheim to take sides, and it has almost always taken Disney’s.

But the relationship between Anaheim and its largest employer has become strained over the planned housing, on a 26-acre site that now holds a trailer park.

Cynthia Ward, an architectural historian who lives in Anaheim, said that “there is essentially no place left to live in Orange County for people with extremely low-income jobs,” but that, even so, the resort area should be protected. “Yes, we need affordable housing,” she said, “but it doesn’t have to be on that site.”
complete article (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/20/realestate/20nati.html)



Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[NaviMap]

Monday, May 21, 2007
Signatures go to Anaheim (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1701973.php)
Disney-funded group turns in papers for ballot measure to overturn housing zoning in resort area.
The Orange County Register

ANAHEIM ? A Disney-funded coalition today turned in signatures for a ballot referendum to overturn residential zoning in the Anaheim Resort tourist area. Three days before the deadline, the group handed over 21,243 signatures ? about 8,000 more than required ? to the City Clerk's office, according to a news release.

Save Our Anaheim Resort coalition, or SOAR, wants to nix a plan to build about 1,500 homes across from Disney property. The City Council voted 3-2 last month for residential zoning that paves the way for the development that includes affordable housing. If it qualifies, the referendum could go on the February ballot.


Monday, May 21, 2007
Disney's Iger speaks about Anaheim housing dispute (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1702018.php)
The company's chief executive makes his first public remarks about why it opposes SunCal's development plan for resort district.
The Orange County Register

Robert Iger, chief executive of Walt Disney Co., made what he described as his first public remarks Monday about a skirmish between the company and a developer that wants to build housing in Anaheim's resort area.

Responding to a question from Register columnist Jonathan Lansner during a conference of business journalists at the Disneyland Hotel, Iger began by saying that Disney "is probably the best neighbor that Anaheim has ever had."

full article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1702018.php)

[Ezra]

You beat me to it NaviMap! :biggrin: rr should I call you 'Scoop'? :wink:

[Tom Morrow]

Another developer proposes housing


Developer pitches Anaheim condos despite Disneyland opposition (http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_6013314)
San Jose Mercury News - CA

A developer has scaled down his plan for a luxury high-rise condo-hotel near Disneyland and now wants to build a project with more condo units than hotel rooms. Derek Baak's new proposal came as Walt Disney Co. officials and other opponents of residential development in the city's resort zone seek to ban apartment and condominium buildings in the area.

Baak's proposal has changed from a hotel-condo complex with as many as 300 units of each to a 75-room boutique hotel and 191 condominium units separate from it.

Baak said rising construction costs, competitive hotel room rates in the resort district and an unproven luxury hotel market made the original concept untenable. "You just can't build a hotel now without some kind of subsidy," he said this week. With more condos added in his new plan, "the condos subsidize the hotel," he said.

Disneyland spokesman Rob Doughty said in a written statement that the company opposes the development of homes for permanent residents in the "tourist-serving area."

The city has been embroiled in a dispute over the construction of a development with 1,275 condos and 225 low-income apartments near where Disney hopes to build a third amusement park. The City Council last month rezoned that property on a 3-2 vote to allow for wholly residential housing.



</p>

[Tom Morrow]

Most Orange County Register readers think Disney will win



Most readers think Disney will win (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheimhills/article_1712170.php)
Orange County Register - CA

In the grand Anaheim land battle ? Disneyland vs. developer SunCal ? at stake is a parcel once destined for tourism-related business but recently rejiggered for housing. Disney's mad, and will use numerous means to try to reverse the city's recent decision. We asked visitors to the Lansner on Real Estate online blog who they thought would win. Here are the results from 269 votes cast in what's an unscientific sample of public sentiment:


66.2% Disney wins
11.5% Developer wins
22.3% Some sort of compromise


Visitor comments

"It could very well be that the 'winner' will turn out to be losing. That wouldn't be the first time in finance."
"Disney wins, which means the residents who invested millions of their tax dollars in developing the Resort win too!"
"In the wars between Disney and developer Sun Cal, they will both wins. We are the only losers."
"SunCal is going to sell to Disney."



</p>

[Tom Morrow]

Disneyland area resort money disputed



Disneyland area resort money disputed (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1721310.php)
A city report shows that a Disney-led coalition's numbers
exclude resort expenses
Orange County Register - CA

While everyone acknowledges that the Disneyland area cranks out a lot of cash, how much public money the resort produces – and how it is spent – is under dispute as the debate rages over housing in the resort area. A Disney-led coalition repeatedly mentions two figures in its fight against housing near Disney theme parks. "The Resort District represents just 5 percent of the land, but generates 50 percent of our city revenues," a fact sheet states.

A new city study says the amount of resort money going to city services is far less. Instead, the majority of the money flows back into the 2.2-square-mile Anaheim Resort, going to expenses such as beautification and maintenance in the tourist zone.

"That is so disingenuous," said Councilwoman Lorri Galloway, who supports housing in the resort area. "I think it's a misrepresentation. … It's a clear message they want to get out: Without the resort area, without Disney, 50 percent of the revenue of the city would be gone."

"The Anaheim resort district is the largest single source of revenue to the city of Anaheim's general fund … regardless of how anyone slices the numbers," said Todd Ament, coalition co-chairman.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1721310.php)



</p>

[PeoplemoverMatt]

I wonder if said Councilwoman ever thought that if the beautification of the Resort zone didn't happen, that piece of the pie Anaheim currently gets would be even less than it is today.

-- PMM :cool:

[mhendrix]

Statistics will show that in any community where "low income housing" is produced, crime automatically goes up.

Anaheim has been fighting the criminal overflow of the LA area for years. Until just recently, things have continued to be troublesome at good neighbor hotels, parking lots, even the resorts immediate perimeter.

My last few years of trips have given me new found faith in how far the city and Disney have come in protecting people and property. I feel safe walking to and from the parks.

I'm worried what this might do.

Plus Disney contributes more to the city than anyone else. Why not think about how this could impact the bottom line?

[Tom Morrow]

Disney-backed petition against housing gathers enough signatures



Disney-backed petition against housing gathers enough signatures (http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_6194290)
San Jose Mercury News - CA
Supporters of a Disney-funded effort to kill a housing proposal at the gates of the theme park have gathered enough signatures to send the issue to voters. The city clerk on Wednesday certified 14,200 signatures collected by Save Our Anaheim Resort Area, about 1,000 more than required. The clerk will present the signatures to the City Council July 17, when members could repeal their previous 3-2 decision paving the way for 1,500 condominiums just blocks from Disneyland or schedule an election. The development, proposed by SunCal Cos., would include about 225 low-income units.
complete article (http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_6194290)



</p>

[Executioner]

Good news indeed. I only say this because if they did zone it for housing then new regulations would be set in motion to change how the resort makes noise and such even more so than they do now. It would also change other regulations too in building and such I am sure.
On the other hand I am sympathetic to the low income housing needs, but have no sympathy for the lives surrounding the park. They chose in encroach and move next to the park making it nearly impossible for the park to continue to grow. Also the resort and surrounding hotels are a major income source for the city. As much as the city needs more low income housing it should not be next to the resort.

[Tom Morrow]

Developers want resort revenue study



Group requests resort study (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/resortdebate/article_1743670.php)
A developer-funded coalition will ask the city to analyze how much city money comes from the Anaheim Resort area
Orange County Register - CA

A developer-funded group plans to ask the city to study how much tax money is generated in the Anaheim Resort region as a debate continues about whether housing should go in the tourist zone.

The request is the latest in a year-long fight by Disney and area businesses to halt developer SunCal's proposal to build about 1,500 homes across from Disney property in the 2.2-square-mile resort area. A referendum to overturn residential zoning on the plot qualified for the ballot last week.

Part of the Disney-funded group's argument is that 50 percent of the city's revenue comes from the region that makes up about 5 percent of the city's land ? a figure the group stands by. But a brief city study found that after subtracting payments on other obligations, Anaheim reaps about 21 percent of its revenue from the resort. The city report stated that more study is needed to show the exact impact of the report.

Members of the Coalition to Protect and Defend Anaheim, which is backed by SunCal, plan to request further analysis at the next City Council meeting July 17. The council also is expected to set an election date on the referendum at the same meeting.

Mayor Curt Pringle, who opposes housing in the resort, said it is inappropriate for the council to request a city study on a political ballot issue. Councilwoman Lorri Galloway, who backs the housing plan, said she believes residents should know how money from the resort affects services, such as police and fire.





Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Developers push Anti-Disney initiative



Housing supporters push for initiative (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/anaheim/resortdebate/article_1761353.php)
A ballot measure would go against a Disney-funded campaign
Orange County Register - CA

Anaheim A developer-funded group is pushing for a ballot initiative that would require voter approval of a Disney project in the Anaheim Resort.

The Protect and Defend Anaheim committee, which is funded by developer SunCal, is asking the City Council to put the measure on the ballot, the group announced today. SunCal is proposing a housing development across from Disney-owned property.

Under the initiative, voters would decide if Disney could build a development on that plot of land, now mostly a strawberry field and parking lot.

Already, a Disney-funded group has spearheaded two ballot measures that would discourage housing in the Anaheim Resort, where new homes are now banned.






</p>

[Executioner]

Wow.... These people just don't want to give up. LOL I personally think it is a bad idea for anyone to build a housing complex right across the street from the Disney Resort. It only means that later on there will be more noise ordinances and stricter regulations that shall be pushed on Disney because it is interfering with those people's ways of life. Also, if it is gonna be made into a low-income housing complex, then won't that lower the cost and property value of surrounding Disney property? If so I am sure not by much. But still. My vote goes with Disney on this. It's much easier for people to move to a new location and make a better living, it's alot harder to move an entire company or to expand it when everything around it has encroached upon it making it more difficult to grow.

[sandmansg6]

this is just getting ugly. the resort area should be protected but now to argue about adding resort ideas to the resort area is stupid. beyond the money that disney puts into the area, the resort area gives tourist a great first impression of the city itself...hell if it were me i would let disney by all the land between them and the I-5..

and cheap housing.. its Califormia, there is no affordable housing, average income barly makes it much less low income, and driving 40 min to work is the norm.

[Tom Morrow]

Less reveune from houses near Disneyland than hotels




Study: Less revenue from houses near Disneyland (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1764119.php)
Report from Disney-funded group says commercial development on Anaheim plot would be better for city coffers

A hotel and retail complex would generate more tax money than a housing project in the Anaheim Resort area, a report by a Disney-funded group states. The report analyzed how much tax money comes from the Anaheim Resort tourism area. The report was released Friday in response to a yearlong debate about whether housing should go on a plot of land that's next to Disney property that was reserved for new tourism businesses.

A housing complex would create about $1.5 million a year, mostly property taxes, upon completion in 2013, but about $1.4 million of that would be needed to provide city services to those residents, such as police and fire, according to the report by CB Richard Ellis. But a hotel and commercial project would make about $12.7 million when completed in 2019. After expenditures, about $9.3 million would be left over for uses throughout Anaheim, the report states. Hotel taxes are the largest part of the city's budget.

The report was commissioned by Save Our Anaheim Resort, or SOAR, a group founded by Disney that is pushing for ballot measures to halt residential development around its theme parks. On Tuesday, the Coalition to Protect and Defend Anaheim, a SunCal-backed group, plans to ask the City Council to do a more thorough study.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1764119.php)




Related link: CBRE's press release
Economic Study of Anaheim Resort Area Concludes That a Large Portion of City Tax Revenue is Derived from the District (http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070713005481&newsLang=en)
Resort/Commercial Development Will Produce Far Greater Fiscal Benefits for the City Than Residential Developments in the ARA
BusinesWire




</p>

[Tom Morrow]

SunCal requests postponement



SunCal to ask council to postpone vote on housing issue (http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1768124.php)
Developer met with Disney officials over the weekend
Orange County Register - CA

A developer that has been locked in a land-use dispute with the Walt Disney Co. said Sunday it will ask the Anaheim City Council to postpone a vote on the issue this week.

Frank Elfend, a consultant for developer SunCal, said the two sides met over the weekend to examine possible solutions. SunCal wants to build 1,500 homes on about 50 acres that Disney wants to use for hotels and resort-related construction. The issue could be put to a public vote.

"We want to do what's best for the residents of Anaheim and the economic engine of the resort," Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle said. "We'll be interested to hear what SunCal will come with at the 11th hour."

Tuesday, council is slated to set a date for a referendum to overturn the land's residential zoning designation.

"I think all parties agree that a continuance on Tuesday would be a good way to initiate positive dialogue," Elfend said.

Disney spokesman Rob Doughty said there was no compromise: "SunCal approached us and we were open to hearing what they had to say. We remain focused on the long-term protection of the Anaheim Resort area."




Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Disney, developer to keep talking



Disney, developer to keep talking (http://www.ocregister.com/news/council-anaheim-disney-1770939-vote-city)
The City Council delays a decision on a housing ballot referendum to give both sides time to talk
Orange County Register - CA

The City Council on Tuesday night gave a developer and Disney two weeks to come up with a resolution to a year-long dispute over a housing plan in the Anaheim Resort area.

The council was set Tuesday to repeal its previous decision to allow housing in the resort or schedule a vote on a ballot referendum to overturn the residential zoning plan. Instead, the council voted 3-2 to postpone a decision, asking developer SunCal and Disney to continue talks started over the weekend to come up with a solution. Mayor Curt Pringle and Councilman Harry Sidhu opposed the delay.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/news/council-anaheim-disney-1770939-vote-city)






Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

City Concil votes again July 31st





Resort issue may fly or die Tuesday (http://www.ocregister.com/news/housing-city-affordable-1791773-anaheim-meeting)
Disney and a home developer have met for more than two weeks to try to reach a compromise

Anaheim Affordable housing advocates plan Tuesday to pitch red tents at City Hall to bring attention to the need for affordable housing, regardless what the City Council decides to do with an Anaheim Resort plot.

For more than two weeks, Disney and developer SunCal officials have met to come up with a compromise on the use of a plot across from Disney property where SunCal wants to build homes, including affordable apartments. Today, neither side gave an update on the progress of talks on the issue that has dogged the city for more than a year.

At Tuesday's meeting, the council has the same options it had two weeks ago when it delayed a decision: repeal its previous vote to allow housing on the plot, set an election date on a referendum to overturn residential zoning or postpone a decision again. Councilwoman Lorri Galloway, who supports the housing plan, said she is unsure what the council will do if a compromise is proposed.

More than 60 people spoke at the July 17 meeting. On Tuesday, affordable housing supporters plan to take another approach: hold a "Red Tent Rally" in front of City Hall to demonstrate the long-term need for more housing. Internationally, housing advocates have pitched small red tents as a protest form, said Scott Darrell, executive director of the Kennedy Commission, which lobbies for affordable housing. "For us, it's a much broader issue. It's not about this site, this particular proposal, this particular developer," Darrell said.

The meeting is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. For more information and to watch the meeting live, go to www.anaheim.net.






Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Council delays vote again



Disney, developer get 3 more weeks to work out compromise (http://www.ocregister.com/news/housing-area-affordable-1793175-anaheim-workers)
Orange County Register - CA

A home developer and Disney have three more weeks to strike a compromise on a dispute about whether homes should be allowed in the Anaheim Resort tourist area around Disneyland.

A representative from SunCal, the company that wants to build homes in the resort, sent a letter two hours before the meeting to ask the City Council for more time to talk with officials from the Walt Disney Co., which has launched ballot measures and sued over the 1,500-home project with 225 affordable apartments.

The City Council voted 3-2 to again delay decision on an election date for a referendum on the issue. Mayor Curt Pringle and Councilman Harry Sidhu voted against the postponement.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/news/housing-area-affordable-1793175-anaheim-workers)




Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Jayaraiza]

I just moved from San Jose(NorCal) down to Anaheim, walking distance from the park. I'm loving it because I'm a crazed Disneyland fat head. Although I'm enjoying the convenience I gotta say it's a pain in the butt sometimes to live so close. Noise, conjestion and traffic. This issue seriously is a darned if you do, darned if you don't. Bottom line is as always money and Disney Resort really gives over a fat chunck of $$ to Anaheim. I do think though that perhaps it's high time that the Disney Corp. re-evaluate the pay scale for the little but very important cast member and resort employees. I do believe if they upped their pay and benifits they would find that it would gain more loyalty from workers and attract more of the work force and make it worth their wild to drive more than 20 minutes to work in the resort.

[Tom Morrow]

Disney, developer reportedly end talks




Disney, developer reportedly end talks (http://www.ocregister.com/news/disney-talks-anaheim-1799922-suncal-resort)
Disney says that the two sides failed to reach a solution to the housing dispute in the tourist area.
Orange County Register

Talks between a developer and Disney apparently have broken off without a resolution to a dispute over a housing proposal in the Anaheim Resort area. Disney officials announced this evening that they failed to reach a settlement with SunCal, the developer that wants to build 1,500 homes across from Disney property. SunCal's representatives could not be reached for comment late Monday.

Two council members, who support the housing plan and called for settlement talks, said they had yet to hear that discussions had ended. "That's just too bad that they did that," Councilwoman Lucille Kring said. "It's very sad. It should have been taken care of months ago."

Rob Doughty, a Disney spokesman, said the two parties started discussions in the spring. He declined to say why talks ended, citing a confidentiality agreement. Disney has launched ballot measures and sued over the plan.

Last week, the council voted 3-2 to give SunCal and Disney until Aug. 21 to come up with a compromise on the issue. At the Aug. 21 meeting, the council is supposed to either repeal its previous decision to allow homes in the resort area or schedule an election on a referendum to overturn the zoning action. "It's time for them to follow the legislative process and put it to a vote," said Todd Ament, spokesman for a Disney-led group, Save Our Anaheim Resort.



Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/z/Ezra/)

[Tom Morrow]

Measure to control Disney zoning is nearer to ballot (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-disney15aug15,0,5500383.story?coll=la-home-center)
Los Angeles Times - CA,USA
Dismissed as farfetched by its detractors last month, a proposed initiative that would give Anaheim voters zoning control over Disney's planned third theme park appears to be gaining momentum.

Bob Hernandez became the second Anaheim City Council member to publicly support the initiative, which needs three votes to be placed on the ballot without collecting voter signatures.

If the measure makes the ballot, it could join two Disney-backed ballot measures, an initiative and a referendum, aimed at keeping housing out of the neighborhood surrounding Disneyland and California Adventure. ...



Sent from CA Screamin Dude (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/member.php?u=1681)

[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim referendum decision expected (http://www.ocregister.com/news/disney-anaheim-ballot-1815504-homes-housing)
Orange County Register - Costa Mesa,CA,USA
ANAHEIM ? About $2 million already has poured into ballot measure campaigns tied to controversial housing plans near Disneyland. But it's unclear whether voters will ever see them on the ballot.

Tonight, for the third time, the City Council is supposed to consider setting an election date on a referendum to overturn residential zoning in the Anaheim Resort tourist area ? an issue that has drawn international media attention.


Sent from CA Screamin Dude (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/member.php?u=1681)

[CA Screamin Dude]

This is not about the possible third park; it is about the proposed housing plan in the Anaheim Resort, which Disney is opposed to, but the City of Anaheim is for.

[BCC]

Huh? Why is Disney opposed to more housing? Is it because of the rumored 3rd park?

[CA Screamin Dude]

Huh? Why is Disney opposed to more housing? Is it because of the rumored 3rd park?Disney does not want residential housing in the Resort area because, simply put, Disney wants to have an opportunity for more Theme-Park related merchandising, stores, hotels, etc. Disney argues that residences will destroy the Resort atmosphere.

[BCC]

I see....I totally agree with Disney... I never see or saw residences at WDW....at all...within a 10 mile radius... compare that to the the grounds near Disneyland 0_0...they already have enough residences around them already...

[PeoplemoverMatt]

^ Well they were able to do that because Disney owns all the land within a 10 mile radius. :tongue:

What Disney's getting at here is they paid a large sum of money to enhance their resort in conjunction with the City of Anaheim creating this new 'Resort Zone' area. It was intended to be a win-win compromise for everyone. Now if you were Disney, and the promised 'Resort Zone' was being altered not in your favor by your political enemies, how would you react?

-- PMM :cool:

[ryguy222]

^I'd be pissed. And another hotel wouldn't be a bad thing for Disney to have another hotel, because I tried looking at getting three days at any DLR hotel last year for December 2, and It was full, GCH, PPH, and DLH. Usually booking that early isn't full. I started looking about 6 months ahead of time and it as still full!

[Tom Morrow]

Housing near Disneyland going on June ballot



Housing near Disneyland going on June ballot (http://www.ocregister.com/news/disney-anaheim-housing-1817035-resort-galloway)
Anaheim City Council sets a date for ballot measure that would ban homes on plot near theme park
Orange County Register

Voters will decide June 3 whether to allow homes on a plot near Disneyland, bringing to the ballot an issue that has drawn worldwide attention. After two delays and failed efforts to reach a compromise, the City Council on Tuesday chose an election date for a referendum to overturn residential zoning in the Anaheim Resort area, previously reserved for tourism.

The vote was 4-1, with Councilwoman Lorri Galloway dissenting. Galloway wanted to wait to set an election date so it could go on the same ballot as another proposed Disney-backed initiative, which would require voter approval of all resort housing plans. Signatures have yet to be submitted and are due by Sept. 21.

The election will cost the city roughly $250,000. The referendum will be on the state primary ballot.

Tuesday's decision came two months after enough signatures were verified for the Disney-led referendum, which opposes a 1,500-home proposal by developer SunCal. The council could have scheduled an election or rescinded its 3-2 approval of residential zoning. Given the options, both sides requested an election so that voters could weigh in.
complete article (http://www.ocregister.com/news/disney-anaheim-housing-1817035-resort-galloway)




Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/member.php?u=9791)

[Executioner]

I really hope Disney gets it. As much as I know low income housing is needed (if that was going to be put in there), I just don't think homes should be right there near the center of all of the new resort with other hotels and such. That could cause way too many problems for the new buyers of the homes down the line. As well as problems for Disney.

[Tom Morrow]

Disney-led initiative petition in



Disney-led initiative petition in (http://www.ocregister.com/news/ballot-signatures-housing-1818420-initiative-resort)
A group is pushing for a vote on housing projects in Anaheim Resort
Orange County Register


Anaheim A Disney-funded group turned in signatures for a ballot initiative to discourage housing near Disneyland, just one day after an election was set on a related referendum. Members of the group, Save Our Anaheim Resort, carried 31,348 signatures to the City Clerk's Office, which must verify the signatures in about a month. A minimum of 13,192 signatures, or 10 percent of registered voters, must be verified to qualify for the ballot. On Tuesday, the City Council selected June 3 as the date for another SOAR-initiated, housing referendum. Both items likely will go on the same ballot.

Housing supporters said they were expecting the signatures, due by Sept. 21. "It's really in the hands of the voters at this point, which is not such a bad thing," said Councilwoman Lorri Galloway.

Both ballot measures are meant to halt developer SunCal's plans to build 1,500 homes in the Anaheim Resort, created in 1994 to set aside space for tourism uses. The proposed ballot measures are:


An initiative that would require voter approval of housing or other non-tourism uses in the resort area.
A referendum that would overturn residential zoning on SunCal's plot.
A counter-initiative that would require voter approval of any Disney development, like a theme park, on the company's property by the SunCal plot. On Sept. 11, the council may consider the initiative.




.

Sent from Ezra (http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/member.php?u=9791)


.

[Executioner]

A counter-initiative that would require voter approval of any Disney development, like a theme park, on the company's property by the SunCal plot. On Sept. 11, the council may consider the initiative.[/LIST]

Wow. That is funny. We should then make it to where everyone that wants to build anything on their own property, like a shed or pool, has to have voter approval. I understand it is a much different thing because it is a resort but when you break it down to the core, that pretty much is it and just to make it fair to all....
I think that is a poor counter attack.

[Tom Morrow]

Anaheim Disney project could go before voters



Disney project could go before voters (http://www.ocregister.com/news/ballot-disney-anaheim-1851144-council-initiative)
Anaheim Council to decide whether public should decide fate of Disney-owned lot
Orange County Register

The City Council is set to discuss Tuesday whether voters should decide the fate of a Disney-owned plot. The meeting is set for 5 p.m. at City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.

A group funded by developer SunCal, which is planning a housing project near the Disney property, is asking the City Council to put a measure on the ballot that would require voter approval of any development on the Disney plot. The group would avoid having to collect the required signatures to get the issue in front of voters if the council places the item on the ballot. A strawberry field sits on most of the 52.9-acre plot, where a third theme park may go.

The council is scheduled today to decide whether to ask staff members to prepare paperwork, including environmental studies, for a measure. The council later would choose an election date. Two of the five council members, Lorri Galloway and Bob Hernandez, favor the initiative. Councilwoman Lucille Kring said she has yet to decide. ?I?m not really fond of ballot-box zoning, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do to get people?s attention,? Kring said.

The latest proposal stems from a more-than-yearlong debate in which D