Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/downtown-inc-1/)
The debate over gentrification in downtown Santa Ana continues to heat up with Downtown Inc.’s Ryan Smolar arguing that a thriving downtown can function in concert with local community development needs and culture.
Is Santa Ana’s downtown development really good for the entire city? Clara Turner counters the view by Downtown Inc. that all is rosy with the city’s approach toward revitalizing it’s center business core.
It took a surprise meeting during a holiday week with nearly half of the City Council absent, but Mayor Miguel Pulido was able to engineer — at least temporarily – the ouster of City Manager David Cavazos. Residents and community activists cried foul.
A recent study showed Santa Ana is one of just a handful of large cities nationwide without a dog park. And while most agree a dog park would be good for Santa Ana, there is a disagreement over where it should go.
It replaces the controversial tax on property owners that some merchants complained unfairly benefited the restaurant and bar scene.
On July 1, they may comment on a proposal for a new downtown business improvement district that is seen as a compromise of the bitter dispute over Downtown Inc.
City officials will recommend that the City Council postpone approving the ordinance, which would establish new rules for businesses.
The controversial tax is on life support, but the November election could empower a new City Council to revive it next year.
Tensions among artists and business boosters erupt once more. A second meeting is proposed for November.
Santa Ana’s downtown booster organization will attempt to ease resistance from artists and other nonprofit groups at Oct. 7 meeting.