ANAHEIM : City’s Plan to Buy Church Land Gains

A deal that could provide land to further expand the Anaheim Convention Center and help a local church out of debt has been approved by the City Council.

The city purchased an option to buy a four-acre parcel of property owned by Melodyland Church, 400 W. Freedman Way, earlier this week.

“We’re going to take a look at the price, and if it’s economically feasible, the city will look into it,” City Manager James Ruth said. “We think we (have) an opportunity there that may not come along again.”

Under the agreement, the city will pay $35,000 a month--up to $70,000--between next Wednesday and Dec. 31 for the exclusive negotiating rights to purchase the land, just west of the main entrance of Disneyland.

If the city buys, the property would probably be used to provide parking for the fourth and final phase of the expansion of the convention center. The $30-million third phase, which added a new exhibit hall and parking structures, was completed in August.

The Rev. Ralph Wilkerson, president of Melodyland, has spoken against a one-year extension of a moratorium on building in the Disneyland area, arguing that the current freeze makes it difficult for landowners to sell property.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Wilkerson said selling the property will clear the church of its existing debt and enable it to continue its community and world-outreach programs.