75B - PH METRO EAST MIXED USE OVERLAY (MEMU)

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The Objective of the Metro East Mix Overlay Zone: The overall objectives of the Overlay Zone are to encourage a more active commercial and residential community, provide an expanded economic base, maximize property sales tax revenues, improve the jobs/housing balance within the City, and provide for a range of housing options. Creation of this Overlay Zone will also allow the City to consider subsequent actions consistent with these updates in the General Plan and Land Use designations. Response: In my personal opinion the objectives of the overlay zone has fallen short in the following areas: The new zoning does not provide in detail a clear and transparent roadmap for investment to developers and or property owners, community benefit requirements that are intended to create a thriving, attractive, and sustainable city. I would request for the city to include the following to be truly transformative: Embed community benefits into the zoning document so it can become a standard moving forward. Below are potential community benefits to be included and can also look at providing density bonuses in the districts . • Community Benefits- A new Fair Share Mitigation Fund that would help ensure that development covers any public costs associated with growth and that taxpayers receive a net benefit. The plan creates the possibility for Santa Ana brimming with vibrant, yet intelligently designed new development that would impact the City throughout the 21st Century, as it permits construction of up to, a potential increase in City population of 11,102 residents, A potential increase in the number of available residences within City limits by 5,551 units, The potential development of 1,275,440 gross square feet (gsf) of commercial (retail and service) space, as well as 3,410,507 gsf of office space. This corresponds to a potential net increase of approximately 963,000 square feet (sf) of commercial space and 690,000 sf of office space. • Inclusionary development ( community engagement "process before plan", People Public/Private Partnerships • Attainable Housing, local hire, local contracting, development fees for community, facilities and programing • Sustainability, car -sharing, pedestrian, bicycle paths, urban gardens, civic open spaces, public frontage, heat island reduction, LEED This innovative development framework can position our City for success, especially combined with Santa Ana core assets - unrivaled location and transit connections, a talented and diverse population, and great schools, libraries and neighborhoods. There is no community in Orange County that offers a better opportunity today or a bigger upside tomorrow. • Enhance our area in a way that appeals to members of our entire city and the larger region and serves as a catalyst for job creation, economic growth, private investment, and higher property values • Usher Santa Ana into the 21st century, while respecting our city's history and soul, and celebrating and enhancing Santa Ana's cultural and artistic vitality. -Leverage and utilize Santa Ana's unparalleled location and transit access to provide attractive housing options for young professionals, seniors and the workforce. 75B-316