ANAHEIM : Recreation Zone Rules Debated

As part of a long-term plan to renovate Anaheim’s prosperous tourist area, the City Council council Tuesday night debated new design guidelines for the commercial recreation zone around Disneyland and the Convention Center.

Some business people--especially owners of small businesses--expressed reservations that the improvement plans were being made at their expense.

“The program the city has I think really inhibits the small landowner,” said Mike Capelouto, whose family owns a small business in the zone.

In past public hearings, business owners and developers have been concerned that the new plans were too restrictive. Developers had asked the city for development incentives, such as density bonuses, and business people asked for more leniency on the uses of signs for their shops.

Some landowners also were concerned that businesses such as fast-food restaurants, convenience stores and self-service laundries, which would be prohibited under the changes, could in fact be helpful to tourists, especially families on a travel budget.

The council will vote on the ordinance covering the zone changes in three weeks.