OTPA NEWS
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State of Old Towne Forum!
City Removes Preliminary Review –
Here’s Why It Matters
Q: What recent change has the city made regarding the development project approval process?
A: The city has removed the Preliminary Review process from the development project approval process.
Q: Why is the Preliminary Review process important?
A: Preliminary Review allows developers to meet with city staff and the public before submitting formal plans. It ensures that projects align with zoning laws, environmental guidelines, and community needs. It also helps identify potential issues early, such as design flaws, zoning conflicts, or environmental concerns, saving time and money by addressing problems before they become costly setbacks.
Q: How does the removal of Preliminary Review impact the city?
A: Without Preliminary Review, the city may miss the opportunity to address concerns and feedback before projects move forward. This could result in projects that don’t align with the community’s values or that face unexpected delays in later stages. It also reduces transparency, making it harder for residents to stay informed and involved.
Q: What is being done to address this change?
A: The Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA) will continue to monitor the situation and engage with the city in an effort to reinstate the Preliminary Review process.
Q: Why is reinstating the Preliminary Review important?
A: Reinstating the Preliminary Review is crucial to ensure that development is thoughtful, well-planned, and reflective of the community’s needs and concerns.
A: The city has removed the Preliminary Review process from the development project approval process.
Q: Why is the Preliminary Review process important?
A: Preliminary Review allows developers to meet with city staff and the public before submitting formal plans. It ensures that projects align with zoning laws, environmental guidelines, and community needs. It also helps identify potential issues early, such as design flaws, zoning conflicts, or environmental concerns, saving time and money by addressing problems before they become costly setbacks.
Q: How does the removal of Preliminary Review impact the city?
A: Without Preliminary Review, the city may miss the opportunity to address concerns and feedback before projects move forward. This could result in projects that don’t align with the community’s values or that face unexpected delays in later stages. It also reduces transparency, making it harder for residents to stay informed and involved.
Q: What is being done to address this change?
A: The Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA) will continue to monitor the situation and engage with the city in an effort to reinstate the Preliminary Review process.
Q: Why is reinstating the Preliminary Review important?
A: Reinstating the Preliminary Review is crucial to ensure that development is thoughtful, well-planned, and reflective of the community’s needs and concerns.
OTPA Takes Part in Discussions
on City’s Economic Future
February 3, 2025: More than 60 community leaders, including several OTPA Board members, gathered at The Richland on February 3rd to participate in the City’s 2nd annual Economic Development Forum.
The purpose was to explore the City’s future with a “conversation about Orange’s vibrant business community.” The centerpiece was a panel on Old Towne which focused on the need to continue preserving and protecting the historic character of the Old Towne Residential District and the Plaza District.
The panel featured District One Councilmember Arianna Barrios, OTPA President Rob Boice, Plaza Review Publisher Mike Escobedo, Plaza restaurant owner Wil Dee, and Chapman Business School Professor Marshall Toplansky.
Much of the discussion emphasized the need for additional Plaza parking. Wil Dee, OTPA Board member and longtime advocate for more parking around the Plaza, urged community leaders to focus on solutions to the parking dilemma. Dee owns Haven Craft Kitchen, Provisions Market and Chapman Craft Beer.
Schultz said the Forum is the City’s premier event for business, property owners, developers and brokers to connect and discuss economic development in Orange. He thanked OTPA President Rob Boice for his "insights into how historic preservation has helped Old Towne to develop into such a successful commercial district.” Adding, "Old Towne was the thriving hub of Orange." We couldn't agree more.
The purpose was to explore the City’s future with a “conversation about Orange’s vibrant business community.” The centerpiece was a panel on Old Towne which focused on the need to continue preserving and protecting the historic character of the Old Towne Residential District and the Plaza District.
The panel featured District One Councilmember Arianna Barrios, OTPA President Rob Boice, Plaza Review Publisher Mike Escobedo, Plaza restaurant owner Wil Dee, and Chapman Business School Professor Marshall Toplansky.
Much of the discussion emphasized the need for additional Plaza parking. Wil Dee, OTPA Board member and longtime advocate for more parking around the Plaza, urged community leaders to focus on solutions to the parking dilemma. Dee owns Haven Craft Kitchen, Provisions Market and Chapman Craft Beer.
Schultz said the Forum is the City’s premier event for business, property owners, developers and brokers to connect and discuss economic development in Orange. He thanked OTPA President Rob Boice for his "insights into how historic preservation has helped Old Towne to develop into such a successful commercial district.” Adding, "Old Towne was the thriving hub of Orange." We couldn't agree more.
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Wil Dee, Plaza restaurant entrepreneur, right, calls for more parking to maintain the economic health of the Plaza.. Left to right Rob Boice and Mike Escobedo.
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Rob Boice, OTPA President, right, praises historic Old Towne as a small town within a big city. Left to right, ChapmanProfessor Marshall Toplansky, City Economic Development Manager Aaron Schultz, Council member Arianna Barrios and Boice
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OTPA has confirmed our 2025 OISF BOOTH!
Stay tuned for details coming soon!
HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST 2024 WINNERS!
How We Fulfill Our Mission
To preserve, protect and enhance California's largest Historical District
Old Towne Orange
Old Towne Orange
• Interaction with City Hall
• Advise on Public and Private Development Projects
• Members of Chapman Advisory Committee
• Education and Public Events
• Preservation Awards
• Representation at Design Review Committee Meetings, Planning Commission Meetings and City Council Meetings
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