Santa Ana : Controversial Traffic Plan Goes Before City

A controversial plan that city officials say will reduce traffic in a north-central neighborhood and another designed to provide low- and moderate-income housing will be considered today by the City Council.

The council delayed action on both proposals two weeks ago because two members were absent; about 200 people crowded into the council chambers at that time to air their views.

Among the actions to be considered are a “no-right-turn” lane from Memory Lane to Flower Street during peak morning traffic hours, stop signs at Memory Lane and Westwood Avenue, an attempt to get Caltrans to close the Flower Street off-ramp from the Santa Ana Freeway and the denial of a request to close Greenleaf Street at 17th Street.

The housing report as drawn up by city staff proposes the use of property-tax revenue from redevelopment projects to help finance the construction of as many as 1,000 homes for low- and moderate-income residents. City Atty. Edward J. Cooper is also scheduled to report to the council on a lawsuit filed against the city three weeks ago by the Alliance for Fair Redevelopment in Santa Ana, a group of local businessmen and residents who say they want to force the city to provide more affordable housing.