Disneyland, others want vote on land uses near resort

[crazy4wdw]

Updated:2007-03-19 16:24

Disneyland, others want vote on land uses near resort

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - A coalition that opposes the construction of hundreds of condos at the doorstep of Disneyland said Monday it wants the issue to be decided by city voters.

The group Save Our Anaheim Resort Area, which includes The Walt Disney Co. and owners of nearby hotels and businesses, said it intends to launch a petition drive to gather more than 20,000 signatures and place the measure on an upcoming ballot.

Disney previously sued the city of Anaheim to stop the proposed construction of the 1,500 condos, including several hundred low-income units, near the theme park that bills itself as the "Happiest Place on Earth."

"Anaheim residents should have the right to decide whether our resort area should be changed - both now and in the future," said Bill O'Connell, the owner of two hotels and a member of the coalition.

The resort district around Disneyland was established in 1994 by state, local and federal officials to control development. It allows only commercial, entertainment and tourism-related businesses in the area.

Last month, the City Council deadlocked 2-2 on a zoning change that would allow residential projects inside the district. The council is expected to decide soon whether to revisit the issue.

One councilwoman who abstained from the first vote because of a potential conflict of interest could break the tie if an upcoming state review finds she can participate.

Housing advocates said the units are needed to accommodate workers who are essential to the city's huge tourism industry but can't afford to live here or in nearby towns.

The project would be on a 26-acre parcel just a few blocks from Disneyland.

 

[thmar]

Hope the group "Save Our Anaheim Resort Area" prevails!!

 

[The PixNey Co]

I wonder why the "resort district" was not originally put up to a local vote? If politicians made this happen and the residents did not have any input, this could end up hurting the resort district. It should be an interesting story.