Anaheim Center Contract Goes to Council

Building a downtown community center could move ahead Tuesday if the City Council votes to award a $6.8-million contract to build the facility.

The council will consider awarding a contract to Reza Inc./Dennis J. Amoroso Construction Co. of Santa Fe Springs, the lowest bidder for the project. Seven construction firms submitted bids.

The 29,670-square-foot center, to be built on South Philadelphia Street between Center Street and West Broadway, will include a new senior citizens center, human services offices, art gallery, arts workshops, and meeting and activity rooms. A 14,742-square-foot gymnasium that will house sports activities and the Anaheim Boxing Club is also planned.

Construction is expected to begin in May. Work is expected to be done in about a year.

The total cost is about $8.3 million, which includes design costs, furnishings and fixtures, and related development fees.

The project is being funded by a variety of sources, including redevelopment money, grants, and park and recreation development fees. Private fund-raising activities are underway to pay for furnishings, equipment and other needs.

Later phases of the center are planned and include construction of a new Boys and Girls Club, YMCA facility and a cultural arts theater.

The council will also consider requests from two establishments in west Anaheim to operate billiard tables.

One application is to operate 20 billiard tables at Ball Family Billiards, 3434 W. Ball Road. The other request is to have six billiard tables at the Rose Restaurant, 713 S. Brookhurst St.

The Police Department is recommending denial of both requests. Police said the neighborhoods where the businesses are located have high crime rates and that the proposed use would contribute to noise and loitering.

Police also said they are concerned that billiard rooms would require an “inordinate amount of police response.”

Area residents also oppose additional pool halls in their neighborhood.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Information: (714) 254-5166.