Downtown Anaheim Landscape Project Studied

The City Hall plaza and the nearby traffic circle on West Harbor Place would get $1.2 million in landscaping improvements under a plan to be considered Tuesday by the City Council.

One element of the proposal is to create a shaded area for informal gatherings and special events. Plans also call for a tree-lined walkway from West Harbor Place and Anaheim Boulevard to Center Street and for palm trees to be planted in front of City Hall.

Improvements to the West Harbor Place traffic circle would include flower beds and an evergreen tree that could be decorated for the community’s annual holiday celebration.

Councilman Frank Feldhaus characterized the landscaping plan as “part of the push” to encourage people to explore downtown on foot. Outdoor cafes and brighter street lights would also help draw visitors, he said.

Tuesday’s 5 p.m. council meeting will be preceded by a 2 p.m. workshop on Anaheim’s proposed budget for fiscal 1996-97. Adoption of the $588-million budget will be considered at the council meeting.

The financial plan calls for a $2-million boost in police funding that would be used in part to hire five officers.

Also included in the budget proposal are funding to build the downtown community center and the Anaheim Hills police substation, to refurbish the Convention Center and to develop plans for the Sportstown Anaheim complex.