2019-040 - Mainplace Mall Transformation

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City of Santa Ana Addendum to the MainPlace Mall Transformation Proiect Fashion Square Commercial Center Final EIR 5.11 HOUSING AND POPULATION Summary of Impacts Identified in the 1983 EIR The 1983 EIR described buildout of the Originally Approved Plan as having the potential to generate 8,630 employees, which was 29 percent of the average annual job growth for Orange County and would have an impact on housing demands. Most of the positions were anticipated to be filled by persons already residing in Santa Ana or the surrounding area and would provide residents the opportunity to work in Santa Ana. However, the 1983 EIR determined that the Originally Approved Plan would result in an increase in the demand for housing that would add to housing market problems, such as difficulties finding affordable housing and increasing housing costs. Summary of Impacts Identified in the 1996 Addendum The 1996 Addendum described that based on the projected employment figures that were generated in the 1983 EIR, for a commercial/retail establishment, 1 employee is required for every 500 square feet of space. For the expansion of approximately 147,000 square feet, approximately 300 new employees may be required. The 1996 Addendum stated that most employees would be hired from the local surrounding community, with the exception of higher -level managerial personnel who may commute. The 1996 Addendum determined that the number of new employees resulting from the expansion would not have an effect on the demand for new housing in the area and would not create a significant inflow of persons relocating to the area. In addition, the addendum determined that no significant impacts would result to population or housing demands within Santa Ana or the surrounding communities. Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project No New Impact. The proposed Project would modify the planned land uses by reducing the total commercial, office, and hotel uses and adding residential uses, when compared against the Originally Approved Plan. The Project site is currently developed with 1,130,000 square feet of commercial uses. The proposed Project would modify the approved buildout of the site by reducing the total allowable commercial and office space by 859,255 square feet and allowing the development of up to 1,900 residential units. Overall, these Proposed Modifications would provide a more balanced buildout of onsite land uses. It is anticipated that at buildout of the proposed Project, 3,425 full time jobs (Kosmont 2018) would be provided onsite, along with 1,900 residential units, resulting in an onsite ratio of 1.8 jobs per household at full occupancy of the site. Because the proposed Project includes housing units, the Project would not result in an increase in demand for housing. In addition, the Projects would be required to comply with the City's Housing Opportunity Ordinance (HOO) prior to issuance of a building permit. Affordable housing provisions under the HOO consists of either provision of affordable units on -site, off -site, or payment of an in -lieu fee. 139