I haven't followed the Trader Joe's issue. I only learned a few years ago that back in the '60s our local convenience store in Garden Grove, Pronto Market at Chapman and West St., was actually the forerunner of Trader Joe's. It was larger than a typical 7/11, had a small meat counter, some fresh produce, and multiple checkout lanes.
Out here in West Anaheim, we have been struggling to define our image, and many feel that our older community was being left behind (The first suburbs that came out of Disneyland being built were here, partly due to Beach Boulevard and its being a main Thoroughfare for the region). Over the last few years, the city has been working on the Beach Blvd. Specific Plan.
The purpose of the Beach Boulevard specific plan is to improve the image and economic potential of West Anaheim’s corridors by creating the land use framework to guide and encourage future public and private investment in the area.
anaheim.net
39 Commons (also known as Westgate or Stinkin' Lincoln) is scheduled to be home for the DCA original Sun Icon, which was donated by Disney to the City.
So to help improve the area, most residents want an Upscale Shopping Location, and a couple of Residents chose Trader Joe's and promoted bring it to my community years ago.
Councilmember Brandman, when he ran for election in 2018, used the resident supported cry as a way to help show his belief in improving the neighborhood.
It was brought up in the recent State of the City...
>Our council members are elected by districts. They come to City Hall with an eye toward what is good for the whole city but also to make sure that their constituent’s needs are heard.
District 1
In District 1, the time for action to improve parks and make the Beach Boulevard Specific Plan a reality is now.
We have talked about this for too long, and it is time to invest in District 1.
Council Member Denise Barnes, please join me in making that a reality? District 2
Council Member Jordan Brandman, you speak passionately every day about the needs of District 2, and I heard the same concerns when I went door to door.
For many years, you were our city’s most powerful voice for the need to invest in our neighborhoods.
Whether it is parks, landscaping or bringing — say it with me Jordan — a Trader Joe’s to west Anaheim, the time to invest in District 2 is now, wouldn’t you agree? <<
And at the last S.O.A.R. meeting (The so-called Anaheim Leaders, which include me in their group for some unknown reason), Jordan Brandman came to talk to us, and spent half his time promoting the need for Trader Joe's, and saying how it is a very important issue to him and for the city. And if you look north of Anaheim's stretch of Beach Boulevard, and see how Buena Park is improving its stretch, everything from new Hotels, Porto's Bakery, the Source, Rock n' Brews, etc., we see it can be done.
West Anaheim has its charms, the local parks, the Dad Miller Golf Course and the Tiger Woods Learning Center. (Tiger learned the game here in West Anaheim).
Tiger Woods has given $5 million toward the launch of a $25-million fund-raising drive to build his first Tiger Woods Learning Center at the H.G.
www.latimes.com
But in reality, West Anaheim is mainly Suburbs and Single Family homes, though recently Apartments and Condos are being added.
Plus we have the "Wild, Wild, West" component, the unincorporated Orange County "Anaheim Island"
en.wikipedia.org
So as part of our new chapter, we need that upscale market (Sprouts is another acceptable option) as an anchor, something that will attract other retail experiences.
Alas, the original 39 Commons developer, Zellman, along with Councilmember Denise Barnes is pushing a Smart and Final Extra!..
Well, Zellman was given a 90 day notice by the city Manager a couple of months ago, saying we want a firm, spelled out plan, and if they don't deliver, the city will look for a new developer. (Officially requesting bids, and Zellman could apply again) .
So that is the short story about Trader Joe's and West Anaheim.
