The Anaheim City Council Tuesday unanimously approved a $450 million mega-development slated to be built next to Angel Stadium, which, until recently, was fiercely opposed by Angels Baseball.
The development by the Hong Kong-based LT Global Development would include 405 condominium and apartment units, nearly 700,000 square feet of commercial and office space and a 200-room hotel.
The plans for the 14.8 acre property also include park space that would be available to the public, a “town square” at the center of the development, and a police substation.
The project could revive plans for the Platinum Triangle, which, before the Great Recession hit, city leaders saw as a catalyst for bringing an urban village concept to the resort district.
The developer claims the project will create 5,000 construction jobs, 1,100 permanent jobs and and $5 million in annual tax revenue for the city’s general fund.
Early in the project’s conception, representatives from the city’s Major League Baseball team opposed the project, citing traffic and parking concerns and the potential that the project would squash their own plans for a development around Angel Stadium.
The team stopped short of suing the city, instead filing an administrative appeal to a Planning Commission decision and voicing displeasure about the pace of the project’s approvals at multiple council meetings.
A City Council vote on the project was continued from a September meeting at the request of LT Global, which said it had made significant progress in its negotiations with the baseball team.
Unlike previous public hearings, the Angels did not have a representative speak at the meeting Tuesday and neither party offered details on how their dispute was resolved.
“We talked. It’s what neighbors do, and we were pleased to resolve their operational concerns,” said LT Global Spokesman Steve Greyshock. “It was really a positive outcome for all involved and we look forward to a long, constructive relationship with Angels Baseball.”
Councilwoman Kris Murray asked city staff to work with Angels Baseball to study traffic issues around the stadium.
“The Angels have been an important part of the fabric of our community…we want to make sure there are no adverse impacts on the stadium,” Murray said.
UNITE-HERE Local 11 representative Martin Lopez said the union, which represents hotel and resort workers, opposes the project because the developer has refused to meet or return their calls.
Contact Thy Vo at tvo@voiceofoc.org or follow her on Twitter @thyanhvo.