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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5961 RESOLUTION NO. 5961 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING LIVE HORSE RACING AT SANTA ANITA PARK AND ENCOURAGING THE OWNERS OF THE SANTA ANITA COMPANIES TO CONTINUE TO CONDUCT LIVE HORSE RACING AT SANTA ANITA PARK, ONE OF THE NATION'S PRE- EMINENT HORSE RACING FACILITIES WHEREAS, Santa Anita Park is one of the pre-eminent horse racing facilities in the United States; and WHEREAS, Santa Anita Park and the retention of live horse racing at this facility are vital components ofthe City of Arcadia's identity, history and cultural heritage; and WHEREAS, the retention of live horse racing at Santa Anita Park and the on-going economic vitality of Santa Anita Park are also critical to the City's fiscal health; and WHEREAS, it is the City's long-term vision to retain live horse racing at Santa Anita Park and to preserve it's unique improvements including the existing grandstand structure; and WHEREAS, the City recently adopted a new General Plan that designated Santa Anita Park's southerly parking lot as "Commercial"; and WHEREAS, the intent of the General Plan and said "Commercial" designation is to assist in facilitating free market forces to introduce new, compatible uses to Santa Anita Park's southerly parking lot, so long as any new development is implemented through a specific plan pursuant to the California Government Code or an equivalent planning process adopted by the City, and so long as said new development is carefully planned to: . Respect the City's existing community character, one of well preserved, peaceful, and safe residential neighborhoods; and . Avoid or minimize adverse impacts to existing and established neighborhoods and commercial areas within the City; and . Recognize and incorporate the unique attributes of live horse racing and the existing race track improvements. WHEREAS, several articles have appeared in major news publications concerning the possible new ownership of the Santa Anita Cornpanies, which owns Santa Anita Park, and a possible plan to move all Los Angeles area thoroughbred horse racing to Hollywood Park; and WHEREAS, this action would, in all likelihood, result in the closure of the Santa Anita Park and the termination oflive horse racing in the City; and WHEREAS, if Santa Anita Park closes and live horse racing is terminated, the City will lose significant revenue each year, which will result in severe financial consequences for the City and negatively impact the City's ability to provide a superior level of municipal service to residents; and WHEREAS, if Santa Anita Park closes and live horse racing is terminated, the City will also lose a major industry that has played a vital role in the history and heritage of the City which dates back to its founding days; and 2 5961 WHEREAS, Santa Anita Companies and the City have always been strong partners in their support of the City's residents and their many organizations, events and programs. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Arcadia strongly supports the business of live horse racing at Santa Anita Park. SECTION 2. The City Council recognizes the significant historical, cultural and financial importance that Santa Anita Park and live horse racing have to the City of Arcadia and its residents. SECTION 3. The City Council acknowledges and appreciates the Santa Anita Companies for their generous contributions to the City. SECTION 4. The City Council strongly urges the Santa Anita Companies to remain a responsible corporate citizen by continuing to conduct live horse racing at Santa Anita Park, one of the nation's finest horse racing facilities. 3 5961 SECTION 5, The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution. Passed, approved and adopted this 5th day of November, 1996. ATTEST: /c~ Mayor/of the City of Arcadia Pro Tem AD APPROVED AS TO FORM: 04 II l1/~J!;, Michael H. Miller City Attorney 4 5961 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS: CITY OF ARCADIA ) I, JUNE D. ALFORD, City Clerk of the City of Arcadia, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 5961 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Arcadia, signed by the Mayor and attested to by the City Clerk at a regular meeting of said Council held on the 5th day of November, 1996 and that said Resolution was adopted by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Councilmember Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young and Kuhn NOES: None ABSENT: None ~. <<'~~~~ Ci erk of the Ci Arcadia 5 5961