Anaheim Beautification Could Have an Ugly Side

A $200-million plan to eliminate urban decay around Disneyland and make it more inviting could create a host of new problems, as millions more tourists clog city streets, pollute the air and overstuff landfills with trash, documents released Wednesday show.

The plan for the proposed “Anaheim Resort,” as the city dubs the area, is designed to encourage development, increase tax revenues and keep the city competitive in the tourism industry. It would allow up to 16,000 new hotel rooms in the area.

But on the downside, the city’s environmental report identifies about a dozen “significant” impacts ranging from overcrowded schools to long shadows cast over nearby residences.

The city plan is a companion to the Walt Disney Co.’s proposed $3-billion Disneyland Resort, which would be the driving economic force within the district. City officials emphasize, however, that the plan will go forward whether Disney builds or not.

Under the city’s plan, about 550 acres surrounding Disneyland would be transformed into a lushly landscaped district with wide walkways and plants to give the area an almost-tropical appearance. Ugly overhead utility lines would be buried, while businesses would be encouraged to replace gaudy neon signage with more understated commercial ones.

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The district is roughly triangular in shape, bounded by Orangewood Avenue to the south, Walnut Street to the west, Haster Street to the east and the Santa Ana Freeway running diagonally to the north. It includes Disneyland, the Anaheim Convention Center and most of the area’s high-rise hotels.

Deputy City Manager Tom Wood, who helped oversee the plan’s drafting, said that it is the most economically vital area of the city, but needs the improvements to remain healthy.

He vowed that Anaheim residents would not be obliged to bear any costs of the project. It would be funded by a 2% increase in the hotel bed tax--from 13% to 15%--and a landscaping assessment fee to pay for the upkeep of bushes and trees.

He also emphasized that all existing businesses will be welcome to stay in the tourist-oriented area, but said any new development or additions would be required to conform with the plan’s development guidelines.

Many business and community leaders on Wednesday praised the proposed urban renewal effort as a innovative way to overhaul antiquated streets, sewers and other public infrastructure.

“Anaheim needs to be rejuvenated, and beautification is a major issue,” said Bill O’Connell, general manager and co-owner of four motels around the park.

Some residents, however, were more cautious in their support, raising concerns over how the $200-million to $300-million plan would be funded. They also questioned the wisdom of proceeding with the project at a time when the Disney Co. is balking at building its Disneyland expansion, which would add another theme park and 5,000 Disney hotel rooms.

“There is no benefit if (Disney) doesn’t build, and in fact it’s extremely costly,” said Steve White, a local real estate broker active in a community group called Anaheim Home Owners for Maintaining Their Environment (HOME).

Disney officials said last week that they will put off a decision on whether to build their resort until at least next year. Previously, it had been expected the company might decide as soon as this year.

Doug Kintz, HOME president, said that all of Anaheim is in need of rejuvenation, not just the Disneyland area. “Why stop there? They should do the entire city,” he said.

Instead, Kintz added, the city is focusing entirely on the Disneyland area because “the mouse is myopic.”

Wood said the plan is needed to remain competitive in the tourism industry, especially in light of efforts by Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego to gain larger shares of the profitable convention market. He added that transforming the area should take about 10 years to accomplish.

Future developers will also be asked to pay their “fair share” of improvements made in the so-called Anaheim Resort area. Such improvements include sewer lines, streets, fire and police services and landscaping.

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Among the impacts found in the city’s document are: traffic congestion at four city intersections; elimination of 56 acres of prime agricultural land--a strawberry field north of the Disneyland Hotel; incompatible land uses next to residential areas and air pollution, as well as various impacts associated with construction. The plan will also require significantly more water, electric and natural gas resources.

City officials said the impacts do not outweigh the social and economic benefits of going forward with the project. More than 18,000 jobs will be created in the Anaheim Resort area, officials said.

Along with the environmental review, the city released planning documents establishing new zoning, height and density guidelines. The goal, city officials said, is to transform the busy architectural mix of cheap motels and souvenir shops to beautiful integrated projects, pleasing to the eye.

Few of the businesses in the area doubt the good intentions of the plan. They only question how to pay for it.

“We think the revitalization of the . . . area is crucial, but we are concerned and curious about how the city plans to finance infrastructure and landscaping for the purpose,” said Frank Elfend, a consultant who represents several area property owners. He said any costs must be borne by all property owners, not just those who are building or making additions.

Angelo Zaby, whose family owns three hotels in the area, said “Anaheim is getting too expensive” and that businesses like his would be asked to pay more to support the improvements at a time when customers are paying less.

The public has 45 days to review and make comments to city about the proposed resort plan and the environmental impacts. After the review period, the city will respond to the public’s concerns and present the documents to the city’s planning commission and city council for further public scrutiny. The project will go forward if and when the City Council approves the environmental and planning documents.