[dragonsky]

Saturday, May 5, 2007
Developers feel pressure in Anaheim
Anaheim groups seek low-cost homes and sufficient wages for proposed complex next to Angel Stadium.
By SARAH TULLY
The Orange County Register

ANAHEIM - A new coalition of unions, faith-based groups and community organizations is pressuring developers to build low-cost homes and pay sufficient wages at a proposed complex next to Angel Stadium.

Three developers are competing for a contract to build offices, shops and homes on a 51.4-acre, city-owned plot, which the National Football League has considered for a stadium. On Tuesday, the City Council will discuss the proposals in a closed meeting and may narrow the field of competitors.

The new Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development, or OCCORD, is trying to persuade developers to commit to certain standards before the city awards a contract. The city's lease with the Angels forbids homes on the land now, but developers are talking to the Angels.

At least one developer is interested in making a pact with the coalition.

"We have a lot in common with the majority of their goals," said Eric Heffner, a principal at Windstar Communities. "Our development site is trying to meet all the needs of the community."

Coalition goals

In late 2005, OCCORD formed as part of a national network of groups that pushes for low-income residents to reap benefits from developments.

The coalition aims to reach a similar agreement to one done in San Diego where developers promised benefits, including affordable housing and adequate wages for contractors for a project next to Petco Park.

In Anaheim, OCCORD has drafted a list of desires, including childcare facilities and environmentally friendly practices.

"We definitely want to be in a position of supporting developers who are also going to make sure the community gets a return on the investment made on this project," said Eric Altman, the coalition's executive director.

Windstar officials have met with coalition members about three times, Heffner said.

A representative from developer Archstone-Smith met with members, but spokesman Steve Sheldon declined to comment. Hicks Holdings has yet to respond to a request to meet with the group, but consultant Will Mundinger said he would be willing to hear its ideas.

Church advocacy

One OCCORD member, St. Boniface Catholic Church, is pushing on its own for affordable housing on the land by Angel Stadium, first by meeting with individual council members.

Some parishioners have trouble paying for homes, doubling up in apartments or moving to the Inland Empire, said the Rev. Tim Freyer, lead pastor. The stadium property is in the Platinum Triangle, where none of the 8,292 planned homes is set to meet affordable-housing guidelines.

"There's an opportunity I think we should take advantage of," said Freddy Hernandez, a St. Boniface member.

City direction

Some council members said they have yet to see OCCORD's goals.

"I would never demand it," Councilwoman Lucille Kring said. "If a developer wanted to do it … for PR (public relations), I think that's fabulous."

Councilman Harry Sidhu said he is against forcing developers to build affordable units on privately acquired land, but this is public property.

"I don't mind having it there. The city owns the land. We can carve out what we want," Sidhu said.

The Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development group, or OCCORD, is making requests of developers that want to construct projects on city-owned land next to Angel Stadium. Officials from two of the three developers have met with members. Here are OCCORD's desires:

• Housing: Provide homes for residents who build or work in the development.

• Jobs: Create jobs with health insurance and sufficient wages.

• Hiring and training: Target local firms and residents.

• Childcare: Open centers in the project.

• Accessibility: Design buildings that are accessible to disabled patrons.

• Environment: Build with environmentally friendly practices.