The LA Angels North American Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise has called on local authorities to undertake a further review of a large-scale development planned for a site adjacent to its Angels Stadium ballpark in Anaheim.
The Anaheim Planning Commission last week unanimously approved plans for a 15-acre complex of shops, restaurants, offices, residence and a hotel on the site next to Angels Stadium. According to the LA Times newspaper, the development could gain final approval as soon as September 27.
The franchise has spoken openly about its opposition to the project, with attorney George Mihlsten criticising the decision to approve the plans with “very limited environmental review and no opportunity for public review”.
Mihlsten has said that local authorities should carry out a further study into the impact the project could have on the environment, while Angels spokeswoman Marie Garvey said the team could launch legal action over the move.
“We are not limiting any of our options but hope the City Council will require an EIR (executive intelligence review),” Garvey said.
However, this additional review could take years to complete, while city officials have so far rejected calls for the study, with spokesman Mike Lyster saying that a number of reviews have already taken place.
“From an environmental perspective, the Platinum Triangle has been thoroughly studied for a level of development well beyond what is being proposed with this project,” Lyster said. “That said, we want to hear any concerns that the Angels have.”
The team has also criticised the development over the impact it could have on its own plans to fund renovations at Angels Stadium. The Planning Commission earlier rejected this argument, with Lyster adding that the two projects are separate.
Lyster said: “This is about an individual project, distinct from discussions about the future of baseball in Anaheim. For 50 years, we have had a great relationship with the Angels. As with any long-term relationship, issues will come up from time to time.”
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