5 Points decision on hold
Bid to create second historic district delayed after zoning change appealed. With the City Council prepared to pave the way for the city's second historic district, an appeal to their decision has put that action on hold. City staff, acting on a request from the now-defunct Colony Neighborhood Council, proposed changing the zoning in the 5 Points Neighborhood from commercial and multiple-family zones to a single-family zone. The neighborhood is bound by the Santa Ana (1-5) Freeway to the west, Broadway to the south, West Street to the east and Cherry Street to the north. John Zahn, who owns a single-family home in the proposed district, said reclassifying the area amounts to spot zoning. He filed an appeal to the Planning Commission's decision. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 27. "It'll devalue the property," he said. "Who would want to buy a piece of property for single-family residents when it's surrounded by apartments?" But city staff say downzoning and possibly creating a historic district would add value to the properties in the neighborhood. Zahn, (JO, bought the home at 1127 W. Broadway four years ago as an investment for when he retires from selling tires. Zahn now rents out the three-bedroom home, but said he planned to convert it into a six- or seven-unit apartment building. A zoning change would prevent property owners from constructing new apartment or commercial buildings and would grandfather in existing shops and apartments in the neighborhood. Zahn said he wants the council to grandfather in his property so he can go forward with his plans to build apartments. His property is flanked by apartment buildings on either "Who would want to buy a piece of property for single-family residents when it's surrounded by apartments? " JOHN ZAHN PROPERTY OWNER "We can't apply a special privilege just to one piece of property without some rationale as to how that property is distinguishable from everything in the neighborhood." JACK WHITE CITY ATTORNEY side. "I'm not trying to hurt no one else there," he said. City Attorney Jack White said making an exception for Zahn's property would be more akin to spot zoning. "We can't apply a special privilege just to one piece of property without some rationale as to how that property is distinguishable from everything in the neighborhood," he said. The Planning Commission in November approved the change. Several residents of the neighborhood spokes in favor of the rezoning at that meeting. Zahn and another property owner opposed the proposal. SPORTS NOTES LITTLE LEAGUE West Anaheim Little League FROM PAGE 17 West Anaheim Little League has scheduled basebail and softball tryouts for the 2004 season. Tryouts will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 10 and 17 at Delco Field, 1211 N. Magnolia Ave. Youngsters then write essays on what they've learned. Awards are presented at the end of the season to recognize the participants for their outstanding character. Volunteer coaches and referees also are needed.