Disneyland tries to block affordable housing not far from it

Disney's efforts to block low-income housing a few blocks from its theme park here has gained enough support to send the issue to voters.

Photo: Disneyland tries to block affordable housing not far from it

Save Our Anaheim Resort Area, which is funded by Disney, gathered 14,200 signatures - about 1,000 more than required. The city clerk certified them Wednesday and will present them to the City Council on July 17.

The council could repeal its decision clearing the way for 1,500 condominiums just blocks from Disneyland, or it could schedule an election on the issue. The development, proposed by SunCal Cos., would include about 225 low-income units.

Disneyland argues that changing the zoning will destroy the special resort district around the theme park, which generates half the city's annual revenue.

But housing advocates say the low-income units are desperately needed by workers who keep Disneyland running but cannot afford to live nearby.