Council OKs No-Parking Zones to Fight Crime

In an effort to curb crime in the Jeffrey-Lynne neighborhood, the City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved creating no-parking zones.

Police and city officials contend that eliminating street parking in the neighborhood of 714 apartments, next to Disneyland off Cerritos Avenue, will prevent garages from being used for housing and illegal businesses.

About 750 parking spaces are available in garages and carports; about 180 garages are being used for purposes other than parking, according to a city survey.

City officials proposed the one-year experiment in July, but some residents and apartment owners objected. Residents said they feared a parking crunch; landlords complained it would hamper their ability to rent.

The council postponed action Aug. 11 to give city staff members time to meet with tenants, a developer studying a rehabilitation plan for the neighborhood and several local organizations, including two Latino activist groups.

As a result of the meetings, city staff members recommended that restrictions be phased in over a four-month period--instead of the 60 days originally proposed.

A total of 167 spaces will be phased out by January; 143 will remain under the plan.

Some residents still are concerned, though, that parking will not be adequate. “We will be monitoring the process to see if it works,” Francisco Seja said. “We are worried about people walking far away to park.”

No-parking zones imposed in two other Anaheim apartment neighborhoods--Balsam Street and the Haster Street and Orangewood Avenue area--have reduced crime and calls for police service, city officials said.

Phil Iati, president of the Jeffrey-Lynne Owners Assn., said he and other property owners are hoping for similar success.