Anaheim : Report Lists 7 Areas of Concern to Residents

Vision 2000, a city-sponsored project to itemize the strengths and faults of Anaheim, has yielded some preliminary results, according to Janet E. Habel, associate city planner.

So far, the 50 community leaders assisting in the task have identified seven areas of concern: transportation and traffic, housing, quality of life, planning and land use, economic development, demographic change and continued leadership.

The issues were narrowed to seven during interviews with community leaders and after reviewing responses to a questionnaire published in a local newspaper, Habel said.

Crime was not one of the issues identified, noted Dave Morgan, city resource development manager. “If there was one that dominated, I would say it’s transportation. . . . It’s not terrible yet, but people are afraid it’s going to become that way,” Morgan said.

The consensus from those interviewed is that residents are satisfied with steps that led to the construction of Disneyland, Anaheim Stadium and the Anaheim Convention Center, Habel said. Residents now are more interested in keeping “a balanced community,” she continued.

Residents have said that “we’ve taken risks on Disneyland and the Convention Center,” Morgan said. “People generally feel it’s been good. They’re concerned about where it’s going. We’re trying to control our destiny somewhat. They feel we need to be on our toes and plan for the future,” Morgan said.

“A lot of people liked Anaheim as a small town. They don’t want to lose that small-town feel. They don’t want to see it get too overbuilt,” Morgan said.

Among the concerns are the increase in senior citizens and immigrants moving to Anaheim, Orange County’s largest city. Residents want to ensure that low-cost housing and sufficient schools are available to meet the new demand, Habel said.

Having completed the first phase of the project--identifying the major issues--committees of community leaders will concentrate on “scenarios for the future,” Morgan said.

During the series of interviews and workshops, the groups will try to determine how to resolve current problems, foresee future ones and work to avoid them.

Earlier this year, the City Council allotted up to $55,000 for a contract with Price Waterhouse to help oversee the planning program, which is expected to be completed by December.