2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

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Vintage home in north Santa Ana Quality neighborhoods provide a safe place of children POLICY FRAMEWORK HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS The City of Santa Ana has a rich mosaic of neighborhoods distinguished by their history, architecture, housing types, and amenities. The City has a number of neighborhoods with historic resources, including French Park, Floral Park, Wilshire Square, West Floral Park, Washington Square, and Heninger Park. The City is also known for its original Mexican barrios, including the Logan, Lacy, Delhi, and Santa Anita neighborhoods, some of which date back to the later 1880s. Rich in history and culture, Santa Ana's neighborhoods are more than simply collections of housing; in fact, our neighborhoods are the fundamental building blocks of the community. They profoundly define the quality of life experienced. Neighborhoods are where residents feel safe, where friendships and social ties develop, and where people identify with their community. Ultimately, neighborhoods are home. Therefore, the design and maintenance of neighborhoods —their buildings, streets, parks, open space, trees, and infrastructure —are critical to quality of life. Some residential neighborhoods in Santa Ana are well preserved: streets are lined with trimmed canopy trees; physical infrastructure is sufficient in size and in proper working order; and housing is well maintained. Some neighborhoods are stable, but are beginning to show signs of deterioration and could benefit from neighborhood improvement. Yet other neighborhoods require significant reinvestment in housing, infrastructure, parks /open space, and public services. Recent research also underscores how neighborhood conditions directly influence health. Important features that improve health include, among others: 1) the availability of parks, trails, and recreational facilities; 2) the availability of affordable and healthy food options; 3) safety of residents from crime and traffic; and 4) the mitigation or removal of environmental hazards. All of these pieces are as essential as the quality of housing and are critical to promoting more complete and healthy neighborhoods. As a City committed to fostering neighborhood pride, investing in the lives of children and families, and providing a safe and supportive environment for its residents, Santa Ana's highest priority is creating livable neighborhoods. This will require the implementation of multifaceted strategies tailored for different neighborhoods. The City continues to direct substantial resources to achieving these objectives and has set forth the following goals and policies to guide quality and sustainable housing and neighborhoods in Santa Ana. J�A 42 CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT