The Disneyland resort area could soon see more hotel rooms, theme park attractions and privatized public roads after Anaheim planning commissioners voted to begin the expansion process. 

It landed during the fallout of Anaheim City Hall’s corruption scandal – the largest such scandal to hit Orange County – that saw independent investigators and FBI agents separately allege Disneyland area resort interests exert undue influence on city policymaking. 

[Read: Anaheim’s Own Look at City Hall Finds Disneyland Resort Businesses Improperly Steer Policymaking] 

It also comes after Disney has spent millions of dollars on city council elections in recent years, mostly through its chief political spending vehicle, the Support Our Anaheim Resort political action committee. 

[Read: Will Mickey Mouse Continue to Cast a Big Shadow Over Anaheim’s Election Campaigns?]

Planning commissioners voted 5-1 Monday evening to approve a host of environmental reports and other planning documents needed to begin the theme park expansion. 

Commissioner Luisandre Perez was the sole dissenting vote, citing concerns that residents aren’t being given enough time to fully understand what the project’s impacts could mean for the city. 

“I think it should just be about digesting the public information,” Perez said during Monday’s meeting. 

His colleague, Commissioner Lucille Kring – a former councilwoman – pushed back against the idea. 

“In two weeks is everybody going to understand it? They’ve had 3 years,” Kring said, referencing when Disney officials first proposed the expansion plan to the city. 

Kring said Disney representatives have met with city officials, state legislators and residents since the plan was first announced. 

“How many more people – seriously – can these people meet?”

Yet the specifics of the plan weren’t publicly unveiled until last fall and the community benefits – $30 million for affordable housing and $8 million for parks – weren’t revealed until a January city council meeting. 

[Read: What Could Disneyland’s Proposed Expansion Mean For Anaheim Residents?]

Many residents have criticized the pace at which Disneyland Forward is moving through city approval processes.

According to Anaheim’s website, City Council members are expected to vote on the project in early April. 

Ken Potruck, president of Disneyland Resort, told commissioners Disney’s expansion will boost the local economy. 

“When Disney invests, everyone wins,” Potruck said. 

Most people during Monday’s public comment – a mix of Disney employees, hoteliers, union leaders, business group representatives and some residents – supported the project, saying it would benefit city coffers. 

But a handful of residents – local activists and watchdogs – raised concerns about the project’s impact on the community, like the privatization of Magic Way.

[Read: Will Anaheim Let Disneyland Privatize Public Roads?]

Perez, who asked the most detailed questions Monday night, questioned if the project’s economic return would cover the stress on the city’s infrastructure once everything was built out. 

“Disney, are you amenable to a 1% self assessment on ticket and pass sales?” Perez asked Disney representatives. 

“Excuse me, Commissioner Perez,” Kring interjected, “Disney doesn’t pay for it, the person – you – who goes into Disney does it.” 

Disney officials didn’t answer Perez’ question. 

Spencer Custodio is the civic editor. You can reach him at scustodio@voiceofoc.org. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerCustodio.