Disney Expansion Gets Agency’s Qualified OK

Officials with the Southern California Assn. of Governments said Wednesday that the early report on the environmental impact of Disneyland’s $3-billion expansion adequately addressed most of their concerns.

“Looking at the regional aspects of air quality and transportation, (the project) appears to pass muster,” said Glenn F. Blossom, an analyst with the association.

Under state law, the early environmental impact report is made available for 45 days for public comment, which is taken into account in the final analysis.

If Anaheim city officials approve the report, Disney could go ahead with plans to build its Disneyland Resort. The proposed project includes three hotels, a second theme park next to Disneyland called Westcot Center, an amphitheater and retail districts. Disney also has its eye on a parcel of land for a possible third theme park.

The Southern California Assn. of Governments is one of a number of public agencies reviewing the environmental impact of Disney’s growth plans. The association monitors projects for conformity with regional transportation, housing and environmental policies.

Although agency officials said that most of their concerns are addressed, they made several recommendations.

One calls on Disney to further reduce its impact on “transportation demands” by recruiting employees who live locally, having deliveries to the park arrive during “non-peak traffic congestion hours,” and offering financial incentives for car-pooling and other alternative transportation.

The association also asked that it be permitted to review plans Disney must submit on how the entertainment giant will reduce its impact on the surrounding area.

The agency’s Eric Roth said that Disney officials had apparently “done their homework” in helping the city put together the report, which Disney paid for.