North OC Times

ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 17, 2024) – Anaheim’s City Council has given the green light to DisneylandForward, a comprehensive plan that will bring new developments to the area surrounding its existing theme parks.

The approval of DisneylandForward was made with a unanimous 7-0 vote by the City Council, following a meeting that commenced on Tuesday night and concluded early Wednesday morning. The decision came after a thorough public comment session, during which 84 speakers shared their opinions on the plan.

According to the Council, DisneylandForward is a long-term initiative that will see the introduction of new theme park lands and attractions over the course of years and decades. The plan aims to restructure the existing space around Disneyland to accommodate a mix of developments, including theme park attractions, hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

While no specific development plans have been disclosed, the City Council highlighted that DisneylandForward does not involve the allocation of additional acreage, square footage, or hotel rooms. Instead, it redistributes the development allowances already approved by the city to different areas within Disney's Anaheim operations.

As part of the agreement, Disney is obligated to invest a minimum of $1.9 billion in various aspects of the project within the next decade. This includes contributions towards affordable housing, sewer improvements, Anaheim parks, and assuming responsibility for certain roadways around the development area.

The City Council's decision to approve DisneylandForward was largely influenced by the significant economic benefits that visitors bring to Anaheim. The plan is expected to transform underutilized parking lots into revenue-generating attractions and facilities, thereby boosting funding for essential services and reducing city debt.

DisneylandForward also emphasizes environmental and community considerations, incorporating measures to mitigate issues such as traffic, noise, and ensuring that the new developments are in harmony with the surrounding neighborhoods.

For more information on DisneylandForward, interested individuals can visit Anaheim.net/DisneylandForward.