Disney Project Report Praised by AQMD : Environment: Pollution-control agency says design for expanding amusement park can overcome problems. Anaheim mayor calls news ‘best I’ve heard all week.’

An environmental analysis of the Walt Disney Co.’s planned $3-billion expansion has won praise from state air quality officials, who said the project’s design features would overcome potential environmental problems.

Although the proposed Disneyland Resort would probably exceed pollution threshold levels monitored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, “innovative” parking facilities and such features as on-site child care for employees could keep expectations of increased traffic in the area to more manageable limits, an AQMD official stated in a letter to Anaheim city leaders.

The environmental impact report “reflects a solid commitment to address a critical environmental issue affecting all of Southern California,” said Cindy S. Greenwald, planning manager for the South Coast AQMD. “This document is an example of the quality of analysis that can be performed to provide local governments with information regarding the potential air quality impacts from development.”

Mayor Tom Daly said Wednesday that the district’s letter was the “best news I’ve heard all week.”

“It’s absolutely crucial to have the support of the air district for a project of this size,” the mayor said. “It’s something we were hoping for.”

The agency’s comments will be added to a number of public responses to the draft environmental study since the 500-page document was issued last month. The public review process was extended in recent weeks from Dec. 28 to Jan. 19 after a number of agencies and residents said they needed more time to formulate responses to the massive report.

Among those requesting additional time were the city of Garden Grove, Anaheim’s Melodyland Christian Center and Anaheim Home, a large downtown neighborhood group.

In its letter to the city, the AQMD lauded the city for its attention to the potential problems resulting from increased traffic in the area.

In the letter, Greenwald noted Disney’s plans for the construction of car-pool lanes that would whisk visitors from the Santa Ana Freeway directly into the parking structures serving the park. Disney executives have said the ramps would eliminate additional traffic from clogging local streets.

City and Disney officials have also said traffic management is the most crucial problem for the Disneyland expansion. The parking structures planned for the project would be equipped with express ramps to each level and are expected to park vehicles at a rate of one per second, according to project plans.

The environmental report provides an analysis of Disney’s plans for three new hotels, a second theme park called Westcot Center, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, a retail district ringing a six-acre lake, and lush pedestrian walkways throughout. Also included is a study of the entertainment company’s proposal for construction of the two parking structures.

Ultimate approval of the environmental report rests with the City Council, where a clear majority supports Disney’s plan. A vote on the environmental feasibility of the project is expected by summer.