The Active Center

OC Vibe Project: Economic Benefits, Costs, and Impacts Analysis


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The OC Vibe project is a $4 billion mixed-use development transforming the 100 acres around the Honda Center and the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) into a vibrant entertainment district. The project is privately funded by the Samueli family, the owners of the Anaheim Ducks. The city is not using its general fund to pay for the project.

Benefits and Costs
Benefits

OC Vibe is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Anaheim. The project is projected to generate $9.2 million annually in new revenue for the city's general fund from hotel, property, and sales taxes. A portion of this revenue will be used to enhance neighborhoods and public safety. The project also includes $255 million in public benefits, such as contributions for affordable housing, parks, and improvements to the ARTIC transit center. Additionally, the development will create a new downtown-like hub for residents and visitors, with new public spaces, dining, and entertainment venues. The project also includes a provision for 15% affordable housing within its planned 1,500 homes.

Costs

The project's estimated cost is $4 billion, which is being funded by the developers, Anaheim Real Estate Partners LLC. While not a direct cost to Anaheim's taxpayers, the city has approved $400 million in city-issued bonds, which are secured by revenue generated from the Honda Center and will not be paid with taxpayer money from the general fund.

Political and Expert Viability

The project has been unanimously approved by the Anaheim City Council. Statements from city officials and developers highlight its viability. According to the city of Anaheim, the project will generate new revenue to assist in the city's economic recovery and enhance public services. The developers, including Bill Foltz, CEO of OC VIBE, state that the project is a result of a shared passion to give Orange County the "downtown they deserve."

Traffic and Infrastructure Impacts 🚗

The OC Vibe project will undoubtedly increase traffic in the area, particularly on game nights and during major events. The development's proximity to the ARTIC transit center is a key feature aimed at promoting public transportation. While specific infrastructure projects to support the increased traffic have not been detailed in public records, a comprehensive traffic study would have been required for the project's approval. This study would analyze the impact on the surrounding road network and identify necessary mitigation improvements. The project includes plans for nearly 11,000 new parking spaces, which will be among the first components to open.

The project is designed to be a "transit-oriented development" (TOD), meaning it's intended to integrate residential and commercial land use with public transportation to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). This model suggests a shift toward pedestrian-friendly urban spaces.

  • Ball Road and South Phoenix Club Drive: The project is near these roads and will likely affect them due to increased traffic. The master plan will have to account for the impact on these local streets.
  • Arena Corporate Center: An updated development plan approved by the City Council in October 2024 eliminated the 384,000-square-foot Arena Corporate Center office complex. It's being replaced with up to 750 additional apartments, 15,000 square feet of retail, and up to 325,000 square feet of newly built office space.
  • Jobs, Stores, and Police Force
    • New Stores and Hospitality: The project will include a "market hall" with multiple restaurants and bars, a "Restaurant Row" with upscale dining, and two new hotels with a combined 550 guest rooms. A total of 230,000 square feet of new commercial uses is planned.
    • Job Creation: The development is expected to create 10,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs upon completion.
    • Police Force: There is no specific information available that indicates an increase in the Anaheim Police Department's force solely for the OC Vibe project. However, the city has been increasing police and fire department staffing as part of its general budget planning, with the police department at a historic high of 421 sworn officer positions. City Manager Jim Vanderpool has stated that the city is preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics and "major expansions underway around Honda Center and the Disneyland Resort." The project's public benefits, including a new revenue stream, could contribute to future public safety budgets.
    • Funding and Revenue 💰
      • Project Cost: The total project cost is estimated at $4 billion.
      • Funding: The project is privately financed by the Samueli family and their company, Anaheim Real Estate Partners LLC. Anaheim is not using its general fund or tax dollars to pay for it. The city did issue $400 million in bonds, but they are secured by Honda Center revenue and do not put the city's general fund at risk. There is no information to confirm that the city is receiving State or Federal grants specifically for this private development.
      • Projected City Revenue: The project is expected to generate $9.9 million in yearly revenue from hotel, property, and sales taxes, along with a share of sign advertising revenue after the first 10 years. This includes an estimated $1.4 million in annual sales tax from shopping and dining, and $4.8 million from hotel transient occupancy tax. The revenue from the project will go directly to Anaheim's general fund, which benefits taxpayers by funding city services, public safety, and other community needs.

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        The Active CenterBy David Sepe