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2020‐07‐13 Letter to Plannig Commission ‐ WorkStudy Item
Dale Helvig
2536 N. Valencia St. Santa Ana CA 92706
714‐541‐7254 helvig_denny@msn.com
July 13, 2020
Chairman McLoughlin and Planning Commissioners
City of Santa Ana
Santa Ana CA 92702
Subject: July 13
th Work Study Item
This item was presented at the last City Council Meeting as a “receive and file” item. As I said then, I
was taken aback when I read agenda item. It was reported then that over 300 participants attended
the focus area workshops and the survey tool produced over 650 responses citywide. Due to time
constraints I will only comment only on the Grand Ave/17th St, focus area shown on slide 9.
Public comments were not taken into consideration. In fact the focus area has more than doubled in
size since it was first presented to the public in 2019. If one were to look at the comments received,
the general consensus of the public was not favorable. I recommend the Planning Commissioners
request to see these comments in future presentations. The five focus areas do nothing but replace
General Commercial and Professional / Administrative Office zoning with District Centers. I think it
is safe to say this is one step closer to adding high‐density housing to the focus areas. For a vision of
the City it lacks any consideration for open space/parks that are desperately needed.
These proposed changes to the General Plan Land Use Element do not agree with the General Plan
Core Values listed in the staff report for the five focus areas that are discussed. From the staff report:
“The five focus areas were selected based on input from the General Plan Advisory Group (GPAG);
the presence of existing and new high ‐ quality transit areas such as the OC Streetcar line;
opportunities to connect key development areas; and, consistency with the following principles
that align with General Plan Core Values:
Protect and enhance our cultural and community assets
Create a land use pattern that promotes healthy and active lifestyles
Ensure equitable outcomes and land use distributions
Create a sustainable and livable city
Promote lifelong education and prosperity”
For the most part the changes will convert existing zoning from General Commercial and Professional
/ Administrative Office to District Centers, thus making it easier for developers to purchase these
newly rezoned areas and convert the area from commercial property to high‐density housing at a
density of 90 dwelling units per acre. This is a windfall to developers and a huge loss to the identity
of the City. Santa Ana will no longer be known as education first, the Golden City or any other
Dale Helvig
2536 N. Valencia St. Santa Ana CA 92706
714‐541‐7254 helvig_denny@msn.com
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2020‐07‐13 Letter to Plannig Commission ‐ WorkStudy Item
positive catch phrase the City comes up with to put a positive spin on the City. What it will be known
for is the City of high‐density living. One will know when they enter the City by the height of the
apartments. Look at where the City is headed: high‐density housing at many entrances to the City.
Dyer & Redhill: The Heritage; 1ST and Tustin: Metro East Senior Park and the AMG Family Affordable
Apartments; Harbor and Westminster: The Charlie; 5th Street: The Willowick area; Harbor Blvd. And
now you want to include South Main St., North Grand Ave., 17th Street, South Bristol, Santa Ana
Blvd., and Santa Ana east of the 55 freeway. When does it stop? Where is the open space for the
densest City in Orange County?
While I agree the City needs revenue, we cannot continue down this path of constantly increasing the
density of the City. The COVID pandemic highlights the negative effect high density has on the
spreading of viruses. Where do you want the City to be when the next pandemic occurs?
Thank you for your time. Stay safe, stay healthy.
Respectfully,
Dale A Helvig
Resident, Santa Ana
cc: Kristine Ridge
City Manager, Santa Ana
Minh Thai,
Executive Director, Planning
Vince Fregoso,
Manager, Planning