Disneyland Takes Rezoning To Ballot

<p>The housing saga continues in Anaheim, California, as the Disney Corporation has pushed a referendum into next June's city ballot that will let voters decide if housing should be allowed in the Disneyland-adjacent "Resort District".</p>

August 26, 2007, 5am PDT | Nate Berg

"In what will probably be a test of political might and financial resources, housing advocates will do battle with Disneyland and tourist leaders next summer in an election that could change the once cozy relationship between the entertainment giant and the city that Walt Disney helped define."

"The Anaheim City Council decided late Tuesday to place a Disney-backed referendum on the June ballot asking voters to decide the fate of a housing project in the town's polished Resort District."

"Disney wants voters to overturn the council's decision to permit as many 1,500 homes to be built near land where it eventually plans to open a third amusement park. Disney hopes to maintain the area for tourist-friendly uses such as hotels and shops."

"The two sides could square off two more times. A Disney-backed coalition turned in more than 30,000 signatures Wednesday for a ballot initiative that would give voters the opportunity to block any future housing project in the Resort District, a move that would essentially give Disney an added layer of protection. A developer-backed measure that would give voters zoning control over Disney's planned third theme park also appears to be headed for the June ballot."

Thanks to Edmelynne Hutter

Full Story:

Will Anaheim project touch off an uncivil war?

Published on Thursday, August 23, 2007 in The Los Angeles Times