Anaheim : Public Hearing Set on Mormon Church Plans

Pam Fraser describes her neighborhood as lacking in street lights, sidewalks and “the manicured-lawn look.”

Fraser and her neighbors, who are opposing a proposed church on the southwest side of Fairmont Boulevard, say they want to maintain “the only rural area left in Anaheim.”

Members of several homeowner associations are especially upset that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants to raze more than 124 eucalyptus trees, said Robert Jones Sr., vice president of Canyon Hills Homeowners Assn.

“They’re large, tall, 100-foot eucalyptus trees,” Jones said. “Most everyone that is anywhere close to that project doesn’t seem to be for it.”

A public hearing on plans for the church, which would be built on about 11.13 acres southeast of the center line of Canyon Hills Road, will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday before the Planning Commission.

The church is asking the city to grant several waivers regarding minimum landscape setback, maximum structural heights and installation of a satellite dish, according to Anaheim assistant planner Kendra Morries. A church spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Fraser, secretary of the Santa Ana Canyon Property Owners Assn., questioned whether the size of the proposed church, 24,800 square feet, along with a 50-foot-high tower, is appropriate for the low-density area.

The residents also question whether a 300-space parking lot proposed by the church would bring an excessive amount of traffic to the area.

“That’s an extremely dangerous street (Fairmont Boulevard.) It’s a steep, winding slope,” said Jones, a five-year resident in the area.

Fraser, who owns a barn and three horses, described her surroundings as “rustic,” adding that “we want to keep it this way.”

The public hearing will be held at the Anaheim Civic Center, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.