OTPA NEWS
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OTPA One Minute Update - May 2025
Preserving Old Towne Orange: Honoring Our History and Securing Our Future
Old Towne Orange is not just a collection of buildings but a living testament to history, culture, and architectural beauty. With its charming streets and vintage homes, this area stands as one of California’s last intact early 20th-century neighborhoods. The preservation of these historic homes is essential, not only to honor the past but to secure a vibrant and meaningful future for the community.
A Glimpse Into the Past
Old Towne Orange offers a unique glimpse into Southern California’s history. The neighborhood’s architecture is a living record of various eras, from Victorian homes to early 1900s Craftsman bungalows. Each house tells a story—of families, artisans, and cultural movements that shaped Orange County. These homes are more than physical structures; they are symbols of an era marked by architectural elegance and detailed craftsmanship. Preserving them allows residents and visitors to experience the tangible history of the area and connect with its stories. (Click here to read more)
A Glimpse Into the Past
Old Towne Orange offers a unique glimpse into Southern California’s history. The neighborhood’s architecture is a living record of various eras, from Victorian homes to early 1900s Craftsman bungalows. Each house tells a story—of families, artisans, and cultural movements that shaped Orange County. These homes are more than physical structures; they are symbols of an era marked by architectural elegance and detailed craftsmanship. Preserving them allows residents and visitors to experience the tangible history of the area and connect with its stories. (Click here to read more)
New Spring 2025 Newsletter
10th Annual OTPA State of Old Towne Forum
April 17th, 2025
A crowd of more than 125, mostly Old Towne residents, attended the OTPA State of Old Towne Forum to hear President Rob Boice pose questions on key issues facing the City of Orange. The panel featured Mayor Dan Slater, Councilmember Arianna Barrios, City Manager Tom Kisela, City Treasurer Garrett Smith, Police Chief Adam Jevec, and Chapman University Vice President of Community Relations Alisa Driscoll.
Many questions focused on the City’s financial crisis, which has been exacerbated by the defeat of the proposed sales tax increase last November.
City Manager Kisela said the City is moving forward by streamlining operations and governing more efficiently. Mayor Slater emphasized that although the recent budget cuts were painful, they were necessary. Councilwoman Barrios said it was a time to "do things differently.”
The Mills Act was another frequently raised topic. Kisela described it as a strong city program, with approximately 430 contracts currently in place. However, he noted that many participants are not fulfilling their obligations, and the City is working with OTPA to address the issue. Because the Mills Act is a legally binding agreement, non-compliance could result in serious penalties. Mayor Slater said he hopes the City can reopen Mills Act contract availability soon.
OTPA believes the Mills Act—an agreement between the City and homeowners to invest in historic property improvements over a ten-year period—has played a major role in maintaining Old Towne’s high property values.
Several questions focused on staffing, particularly in light of City Manager Kisela’s upcoming retirement. Mayor Slater shared that the City is interviewing candidates with hopes of hiring a replacement by the end of May. Kisela added that a city the size of Orange would also benefit from an Assistant City Manager.
Chapman University’s Alisa Driscoll reported that the school currently enrolls 8,875 students—including graduate, undergraduate, and law students—at the Old Towne campus. The proposed Specific Plan 7 anticipates about 200 additional students per year. Chapman Court, recently acquired by the university, will house 900 students starting this fall.
When asked about properties Chapman owns in Old Towne, Driscoll clarified that all of them pay property tax and are occupied by faculty and staff. “You can spot the school’s properties because they’re all very well maintained,” she said.
City Treasurer Garrett Smith reported that the City’s investment portfolio is valued at approximately $103 million, with annual yields between 3.5% and 4%.
Other topics included the future of the vacant fire station on the corner of Grand & Almond Streets. City Manager Kisela stated that the City Council has not yet made a decision about the site’s long-term use. In the meantime, the building will house a museum featuring historic fire trucks and other equipment, opening in early summer. Mayor Slater noted the museum will serve as an excellent interim attraction for families and history lovers.
Residents also asked about the increasing number of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Old Towne. Kisela explained these are the result of state legislation aimed at addressing California’s affordable housing shortage. He added that the City is working to limit ADUs in order to reduce parking congestion and preserve the character and tranquility of suburban neighborhoods.
A crowd of more than 125, mostly Old Towne residents, attended the OTPA State of Old Towne Forum to hear President Rob Boice pose questions on key issues facing the City of Orange. The panel featured Mayor Dan Slater, Councilmember Arianna Barrios, City Manager Tom Kisela, City Treasurer Garrett Smith, Police Chief Adam Jevec, and Chapman University Vice President of Community Relations Alisa Driscoll.
Many questions focused on the City’s financial crisis, which has been exacerbated by the defeat of the proposed sales tax increase last November.
City Manager Kisela said the City is moving forward by streamlining operations and governing more efficiently. Mayor Slater emphasized that although the recent budget cuts were painful, they were necessary. Councilwoman Barrios said it was a time to "do things differently.”
The Mills Act was another frequently raised topic. Kisela described it as a strong city program, with approximately 430 contracts currently in place. However, he noted that many participants are not fulfilling their obligations, and the City is working with OTPA to address the issue. Because the Mills Act is a legally binding agreement, non-compliance could result in serious penalties. Mayor Slater said he hopes the City can reopen Mills Act contract availability soon.
OTPA believes the Mills Act—an agreement between the City and homeowners to invest in historic property improvements over a ten-year period—has played a major role in maintaining Old Towne’s high property values.
Several questions focused on staffing, particularly in light of City Manager Kisela’s upcoming retirement. Mayor Slater shared that the City is interviewing candidates with hopes of hiring a replacement by the end of May. Kisela added that a city the size of Orange would also benefit from an Assistant City Manager.
Chapman University’s Alisa Driscoll reported that the school currently enrolls 8,875 students—including graduate, undergraduate, and law students—at the Old Towne campus. The proposed Specific Plan 7 anticipates about 200 additional students per year. Chapman Court, recently acquired by the university, will house 900 students starting this fall.
When asked about properties Chapman owns in Old Towne, Driscoll clarified that all of them pay property tax and are occupied by faculty and staff. “You can spot the school’s properties because they’re all very well maintained,” she said.
City Treasurer Garrett Smith reported that the City’s investment portfolio is valued at approximately $103 million, with annual yields between 3.5% and 4%.
Other topics included the future of the vacant fire station on the corner of Grand & Almond Streets. City Manager Kisela stated that the City Council has not yet made a decision about the site’s long-term use. In the meantime, the building will house a museum featuring historic fire trucks and other equipment, opening in early summer. Mayor Slater noted the museum will serve as an excellent interim attraction for families and history lovers.
Residents also asked about the increasing number of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Old Towne. Kisela explained these are the result of state legislation aimed at addressing California’s affordable housing shortage. He added that the City is working to limit ADUs in order to reduce parking congestion and preserve the character and tranquility of suburban neighborhoods.
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📣🍊If you missed out on attending the OTPA State of Old Towne Forum, watch the Forum on Channel 6 - repeat airings Monday thru Friday at 3:00pm and 7:00pm. Saturdays & Sundays at 10:00am! |
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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