Buena Park Ca Development And Redevelopment

A property owner has filed a lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court to try to force the city's Redevelopment Agency to either buy his commercially zoned property or let him develop the vacant land. In the suit filed last week, Jose Gil DeMoura, who owns two lots on Manchester Boulevard, said the Redevelopment Agency has rejected his specific proposals for a commercial building, mini-mart or automobile retail center.

One of the city's largest proposed residential developments in years is on hold, in part because of concerns that a man-made lake in the project could attract high numbers of water fowl. Citing the bird issue and other questions, City Council members recently postponed taking action on the "Lakeside" proposal until they have more information.

It may not be the most gala party the city has ever seen, but when dignitaries cut the ribbon on Dale Street today, it will be one of their proudest moments. "The street looks terrific," said Donald K. Jensen, director of public works. "No potholes! We're proud of getting it done and just glad it is done."

The large, colorful signs that advertise attractions along the city's entertainment corridor will be moved back soon, as preparations begin for the widening of Beach Boulevard. Two of the most visible miles in the city will be in disarray as the boulevard is widened by one lane on each side and transformed into a "smart street."

The city's redevelopment agency has sealed a deal with Buena Park Toyota to expand the car dealership along Manchester Boulevard to Stanton Avenue. The deal is the second phase of a 1994 agreement with the Cerritos-based Webb Automotive Group to build a new dealership on Manchester. The company, which had been on a smaller site on Orangethorpe Avenue since 1986, has now picked up an expansion option from the original agreement.

The city will back a partnership of investors with a $1.7-million loan to build an affordable housing complex for seniors. City Council members unanimously agreed Monday to loan the developers redevelopment funds, to be repaid at a 3% interest rate over 40 years. The developers, in turn, have promised to rent all 59 of the apartments at rates affordable to tenants over the age of 62 whose income is below the county median. Those rents will remain affordable for 55 years.

City officials moved ahead this week with plans to demolish a former residence on 4th Street for future redevelopment projects. In 1992, the city purchased the house at 7371 4th St. to make way for a commercial development that would have covered 25 acres at Manchester and Artesia boulevards, said May Hui, assistant director of developer services. That project was never built, however. The city has already demolished a half dozen properties that it acquired at the same time on the street.

One of Orange County's oldest regional shopping centers is getting a $30-million face-lift that's designed to lure more shoppers by placing a heavier emphasis on food, entertainment and specialty shops. Redevelopment plans unveiled on Wednesday at the aging Buena Park Mall include a 500-seat food court, two family-style restaurants and, possibly, an expanded movie theater complex, to be completed by spring 1997.

An organization that has helped to clean up rundown apartment units across the city wants to take its campaign to a higher level. Members of the Neighborhood Improvement Task Force, which includes police, code inspection, fire and health officials, told the City Council on Monday that they are seeking $90,000 a year in federal funds to augment their work. The task force has applied for the money from the Community Development Block Grant program, members said.

A developer who is asking the city for a $1.7-million loan to build affordable housing for senior citizens has started negotiations with local officials. The City Council gave planners the go-ahead to start the meetings with KD Housing Partners of Laguna Beach earlier this week. But several members expressed concerns that the development would not move forward in time for the city to get state credit toward its affordable housing goals.