SUBJECT: PUBLIC COMMENT: Non-Agenda Opposition to Rezoning at 157 & 175 N. Wayfield St.
Dear Members of the Planning Commission,
As a local businessman who has utilized the Holiday Skate Center for recreation and work consistently since its construction in 1973, I offer a unique, multi-generational perspective on this site.
While we acknowledge the housing shortage and state mandates, destroying an irreplaceable 53-year-old historic landmark for a mere 36 townhomes is disproportionate. Trading a multigenerational community treasure for such minimal housing gains is a poor trade for the City of Orange.
The proposal to rezone 157 and 175 North Wayfield Street is fundamentally flawed and harms local quality of life for the following reasons:
175 North Wayfield
* Inadequate Footprint: The 175 North Wayfield parcel is boxed in by apartments, a freeway sound wall, and a storage facility, restricting light and airflow. Proposed open space is insufficient.
* Investor Appeal & Overcrowding: As a real estate professional, I know this undesirable location will attract outside investors rather than families, likely leading to multiple adult tenants per unit and overcrowding.
* Parking Pressures: Tenants often use garages for storage, and with Wayfield Street restricted to permit parking, there is absolutely no room for vehicle overflow.
157 North Wayfield
* Safety & Health Liabilities: Cramming 12 units onto the corner of North Wayfield and Chapman Avenue exposes residents to noise and pollution from a major thoroughfare and freeway off-ramp. This corner will inevitably become a rental pocket that degrades the area.
Importantly, there is a valid above-market offer to keep 175 North Wayfield intact under commercial zoning. This allows a community icon to continue serving thousands of residents. It would be unconscionable to sacrifice this treasure for big-money development. The Planning Commission must stand with its constituency.
Sincerely,
Scott Sackin
Local Businessman, Real Estate Professional & Community Advocate
SUBJECT: PUBLIC COMMENT: Non-Agenda Opposition to Rezoning at 157 & 175 N. Wayfield St.
Dear Members of the Planning Commission,
As a local businessman who has utilized the Holiday Skate Center for recreation and work consistently since its construction in 1973, I offer a unique, multi-generational perspective on this site.
While we acknowledge the housing shortage and state mandates, destroying an irreplaceable 53-year-old historic landmark for a mere 36 townhomes is disproportionate. Trading a multigenerational community treasure for such minimal housing gains is a poor trade for the City of Orange.
The proposal to rezone 157 and 175 North Wayfield Street is fundamentally flawed and harms local quality of life for the following reasons:
175 North Wayfield
* Inadequate Footprint: The 175 North Wayfield parcel is boxed in by apartments, a freeway sound wall, and a storage facility, restricting light and airflow. Proposed open space is insufficient.
* Investor Appeal & Overcrowding: As a real estate professional, I know this undesirable location will attract outside investors rather than families, likely leading to multiple adult tenants per unit and overcrowding.
* Parking Pressures: Tenants often use garages for storage, and with Wayfield Street restricted to permit parking, there is absolutely no room for vehicle overflow.
157 North Wayfield
* Safety & Health Liabilities: Cramming 12 units onto the corner of North Wayfield and Chapman Avenue exposes residents to noise and pollution from a major thoroughfare and freeway off-ramp. This corner will inevitably become a rental pocket that degrades the area.
Importantly, there is a valid above-market offer to keep 175 North Wayfield intact under commercial zoning. This allows a community icon to continue serving thousands of residents. It would be unconscionable to sacrifice this treasure for big-money development. The Planning Commission must stand with its constituency.
Sincerely,
Scott Sackin
Local Businessman, Real Estate Professional & Community Advocate