LOS ALAMITOS : 2 Measures Focus on Redevelopment

Two June ballot measures in Los Alamitos propose the creation of a redevelopment plan for an area near the commercial and industrial center and set out some development restrictions.

Measure W asks voters to approve a commercial redevelopment plan adopted by the City Council last year. Measure X ensures that the redevelopment agency will not be able to condemn private property and excludes placing residential property in the redevelopment areas.

The project area runs along Katella Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard and includes commercial and industrial areas. According to an analysis by City Atty. Thomas W. Allen, the plan would result in more property taxes staying in the city, even though it does not give the agency the power to levy taxes.

Currently, 13% of the property taxes collected are returned to the city, but advocates hope that redevelopment would spur improvements in the project area, resulting in increased property values, which in turn would generate increased tax revenue to the agency. The agency has agreed to share these funds with the Los Alamitos Unified School District, the county fire district and other agencies so that those districts would not lose money in this arrangement.

Also, 20% of the tax increment would be used for low- and moderate-income housing, unless the agency determines that is not needed.

Mayor Ronald Bates favors the measures because they have the potential to give the city a higher percentage of the property taxes that now go to the county.

An argument in favor of Measure W says that the additional money would allow the agency to improve the project area and entice businesses to remain in or relocate to the area.

“This money can be used for road improvements, park rehabilitation and water and sewer projects in the area,” reads the argument signed by Bates.

Opponents, led by Paul Gann’s Sacramento-based Citizens Committee, challenge the city’s claim that people do not reside within the redevelopment zone and warn that any City Council in the future could impose eminent domain without a vote of the people.

Opponents also argue that the tax revenue that now goes to other agencies would instead be directed to the redevelopment agency, leaving the other agencies, such as the school district, no choice but to raise taxes. They argue that the plan is “designed to benefit private developers and special-interest groups.”

Both measures are supported by the Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Trustees, the Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the City Council.

“It helps business,” said Chamber President Germaine Erskine, adding that other cities with redevelopment areas “have fared very, very well.”

The school district owns some property within the area, some of which the board has decided to sell for commercial development, said board member Arthur T. Genet. With a redevelopment agency in place, Genet said, the school district would be able to negotiate the percentage of tax increments going to the district and use that money to improve existing schools or build new ones.

“I think we’re looking for additional dollars that would assist in renovation of schools or additional facilities,” he said. “What makes it run is the way it’s managed, and with the people who are involved now, that won’t be a problem. . . . This does have a lot of positives for the city of Los Alamitos.”