From: Alejandra PerezMatus <alejandrap@kennedycommission. org> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 5:18 PM
To: TheresaBass <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]
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Hi,
I am writing on behalf of the Kennedy Commission to submit a public comment letter regarding Item number 6 for tonight' s City Council Meeting Agenda.
Thanks,
AlejandraPerezMatus
Pro·ectMana
May 13, 2025
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken
Members of the Anaheim City Council
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
RE: Agenda Item # 6 – Declaration of Exempt Surplus Land at 1301 N. Anaheim Blvd. & 401 W. Carl Karcher Way
Dear Mayor Aitken and Honorable Members of the City Council, The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad-basedcoalition of residentsand community organizations advocating for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than 30,000 annually in OrangeCounty. Since 2001, we have successfully partneredwith jurisdictions across the county to create housing and land- use policies that increase affordable housing opportunities for lower-income working families.
We are writing regarding the City’s proposal to declare approximately six acres of city- owned land asexempt surplus land, pursuant to the Surplus Land Act. We support the City of Anaheim’s efforts to advance the development of affordable housing on publicly owned land and encourage the City to maximize affordability on this site asa public asset. City- owned properties offer a unique and powerful opportunity to directly address the housing needs of lower- income residents and to ensure long-term affordability by retaining land control and leveraging public investment.
While we appreciatethat the exemption category requires 25% affordability, we respectfully ask the City to go beyond the minimum threshold and increasethe required percentageof affordable housing on this site. This site’s location— adjacentto community- serving institutions, medical services, and transit access— makesit especially well suited for deeply affordable, multigenerational, and inclusive housing. Increasing affordability here would not only support Anaheim’s Housing Element goals, but also strengthenthe City' s leadership in meeting urgent housing needsin a high-opportunity area.
We look forward to continuing to work with the City of Anaheim to ensurethat affordable housing is prioritized on public land and that future development servesthe residentswho needit most. If you have any questions, pleasefeel free to contact me at (949) 250-0909 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
CesarCovarrubias
Executive Director
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