Anaheim Deal Would Foster Redevelopment

In an effort to improve a deteriorating neighborhood near Disneyland, the Anaheim City Council today will consider hiring a development team to create a rebuilding plan for the Jeffrey-Lynne community.

For years, the low-income neighborhood has suffered from high crime, gang activity and poor housing conditions.

The council will consider selecting the Related Companies of California and Southern California Housing Development Corp. to help the city create a rebuilding plan.

The developers and city officials would work with apartment building owners and tenants in developing the plan, said Elisa Stipkovich, redevelopment executive director.

The city received proposals from three developers for the project. The Related Companies of California and Southern California Housing Development, a nonprofit developer that works on low- and moderate-income housing projects, rated as the most qualified, city officials said.

The Related Companies recently completed a city-initiated project that transformed a similar neighborhood off La Palma Avenue at Citron Street into a 180-unit affordable apartment community, renamed Paseo Village.

The cost to develop a revitalization plan for Jeffrey-Lynne is estimated at $197,000; the city would contribute as much as $47,000, and the developers would pay the remainder.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the council chambers, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.