Orange · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orange public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Orange Mall Redevelopment and AB 2011 Concern
A resident who lives behind the old Orange Mall blasted the condition of the site and her district representative's lack of communication. The Village at Orange specific plan development was among the top-voted priorities.
Garages potentially converting to ADUs
A resident told the council that ADU rules on setbacks and height limits aren't being enforced consistently, putting the burden on neighbors. She asked the council to ensure all projects are held to the same standard.
Firewise wildfire preparedness program
The council backed the city's response to the Grand Jury wildfire report and heard that the fire department is building a local Firewise program to help East Orange neighborhoods harden homes and lower insurance costs.
No dedicated historic planner on staff
Committee members flagged that the city currently has no historic planner, yet the new ordinance would hand significant review duties to staff and a new commission. Member Donnie DeWees, who worked with three past city historic planners, questioned how the workload can be handled without that expertise.
Maybury Ranch billboard and dirt hauling concerns
Dan Swoish returned to flag a billboard he says violates the city's own sign rules and warned about 10,000 truckloads of dirt being hauled onto the Horton property, including a dirt dam across a riparian creek that he fears could wash out in rain.
Surplus land declarations for eleven city properties
The city put eleven properties — including the historic Royer Mansion, two Cypress Street homes, and the full Grand Street block — on the surplus land path, opening the door to future public-private development. Staff and the city attorney stressed the city keeps control and can pull properties back, and historic protections stay in place.
The Win~Dow restaurant at the former Texaco station
Two vacant historic gas station buildings in Old Towne will become a restaurant with walk-up service, outdoor dining and a full bar. Neighbors worried about the six-foot fence, the mechanical roof screen, and maintenance of decomposed granite. The committee approved it with conditions on lighting, fence color and trees.
New AT&T wireless facility near Eckhoff Street
AT&T is replacing an aging cell site with a new 70-foot tower disguised as a eucalyptus tree near the 57 freeway. It should improve wireless coverage and capacity in the area while blending in visually. OCTA raised access-coordination questions that staff and the applicant said won't affect the project.
Redevelopment of vacant Tustin Street commercial site with 71 homes
A long-vacant Best Buy store at 2375 N. Tustin Street could become 71 three-story small-lot single-family homes. Supporters say it adds much-needed for-sale housing, walkability, and about $183,000 a year in city revenue; neighbors worry three-story walls and windows will overlook their one-story condos and mobile homes.
405 E. Toluca Avenue addition design compatibility
A family's long-stalled project to enlarge a tiny 1935 home ran into preservation objections over its flat roof, boxy massing, and ornate door. The committee approved it 3-1 but forced a pitched roof and design fixes before permits.