SANTA ANA : Settlement Clears Way for Revamp of Bristol St.

A Superior Court judge has approved a settlement that allows Santa Ana officials to begin an ambitious $335-million redevelopment project along Bristol Street, a city spokesman said.

Superior Court Judge Robert A. Knox approved the settlement Wednesday. The case had been mired in the courts for almost five years after two local residents sued to stop the project, said Assistant City Atty. Robert J. Wheeler.

“We’re pleased that the parties were able to finally resolve the matter. The city is looking forward to inaugurating this project,” he said.

The 35-year redevelopment project includes expanding Bristol Street and revamping more than a dozen commercial areas along its length.

The plaintiffs, Robert T. Gonzales, an optometrist with offices in the project area, and Evangelina Avalos, a single mother who lives in the area, challenged the project, arguing that the city failed to do enough to find replacement housing for hundreds of families who might be displaced.

The settlement calls for the city to set aside 30% of the revenue generated by the project for low- and moderate-income housing. State law requires that 20% be set aside for that purpose. Also under the agreement, the city will pay $149,000 in attorneys’ fees for the plaintiffs, Wheeler said.