City Manager Braces for a Very Busy Year

The city will enter the new year with a big bang: expansion of the convention center, neighborhood improvements in the west end and completion of a renovated baseball stadium in April, to name a few of the major undertakings.

“It’s going to be a very busy year requiring a lot of coordination and managing of projects,” City Manager James D. Ruth said.

Later this month, a contract in excess of $100 million is expected to be awarded for the second phase of the convention center expansion to add exhibit and meeting space, increase the size of the lobby and remodel the facade.

“It’s the most significant in terms of maintaining our position in the tourist industry and keeping a competitive edge,” Ruth said.

The $8.5-million Downtown Community Center, boasting a new city gym and senior citizens center, will be completed in May. A comprehensive plan, combining redevelopment and planning strategies, to make improvements in west Anaheim neighborhoods is also underway.

A variety of other projects will continue or are in the works, such as widening streets, improving critical intersections and landscaping the resort area.