The Anaheim Planning Commission Monday night gave its approval for Disneyland’s on-property expansion plans, the first of two needed votes to allow the company to grow its theme parks with new attractions and hotels.
The project, dubbed DisneylandForward, would give Disney more flexibility to choose where it builds new theme park areas, hotels and dining, without expanding beyond its existing footprint, and in return guarantees the city at least a $1.9 billion investment into the resort over the next decade, along with more than $100 million for city streets, parks and affordable housing.
City staff had recommended the commission approve the project and move it forward. The Planning Commission didn’t take into consideration the financial aspect of the project, their vote was about approving zoning and planning changes for DisneylandFoward.
They did not vote on whether the city will allow Disney to buy some streets from it, including Magic Way. That will be the City Council’s decision at an April 16 meeting when councilmembers are set to consider the entire project.
New theme park attractions could be built west of Disneyland Drive near existing hotels along with entertainment areas where the Toy Story Parking lot is. Disney hasn’t committed to when it will start building or what, but has mentioned themed lands from the films “Zootopia,” “Frozen” and “Avatar.”
“We know very clearly what we’d like to build and where,” said Disney’s Global Development Vice President Rachel Alde. “It’s a combination of theme park and mixed-use development in several different areas that we’ve outlined. We just need to figure out which stories and how those stories come to life in those areas.”
The vote was 5-1, with one member of the commission absent.
The city officials say the project will bring in new tax revenue for Anaheim with more visitors coming to town. Disney hopes to continue transforming its resort into a multi-day destination.
Commissioner LuisAndres Perez voted against the project. He asked other commissioners to delay voting for a few weeks to give residents more time to understand the project.
Source: Orange County Register
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