Residents Pushing Redevelopment Plan

In an effort to rid west Anaheim of vacant storefronts, deteriorating houses and high crime, a citizens committee this week unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt a 730-acre redevelopment plan.

“The area has literally been devastated economically,” said Bob Carter, representing Orange Avenue Homeowners Assn. on the seven-member committee. “It’s not hard to drive around the neighborhood and see why with all the vacancies and vacant lots.

“In dealing with this redevelopment program, we hope to revitalize some of the commercial areas and bring some good businesses back--make it a desirable neighborhood people want to move into, buy into and stay, rather than the transient neighborhood it’s become.”

The proposed redevelopment area includes business districts on Magnolia, Lincoln, La Palma and Knott avenues, Beach Boulevard and Ball Road. Some older homes and apartment buildings also are included.

The city’s Redevelopment and Housing Commission will consider approval of the plan at 4 p.m. June 3. A community meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. June 10 at Mattie Lou Maxwell Elementary School, 2613 W. Orange Ave. The City Council will hold a public hearing June 16 to consider adoption of the redevelopment plan. Information: (714) 765-4300.