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Council OKs multi‑year extensions for GardenWalk and Westgate projects in Anaheim Resort
Summary
After a public hearing, council approved staff recommendations to extend performance timeframes for GardenWalk Hotel 2 and Westgate Resorts (vacation ownership) citing market conditions and developer requests; council emphasized continued contact with developers and environmental compliance.
The Anaheim City Council approved resolutions to modify performance timeframes in the GardenWalk development agreements, extending deadlines so private developers can complete hotel and vacation‑ownership components amid current market conditions.
Planning Director Heather Allen told council that GardenWalk Hotel 2 asked for a five‑year extension to require construction to begin by November 2030 (completion by May 2033), citing financial constraints, building code updates and the unexpected death of a partner. Westgate Resorts requested revised deadlines requiring construction to begin by October 2028 and to complete by October 2030 so it can market the entitled project to potential investors while reducing regulatory risk during ownership transitions.
Staff recommended approval, noting both firms have previously delivered Resort‑area projects and that the revised timeframes avoid the 2028 Olympics and permit staggered construction if needed. Council opened a public hearing, heard one speaker who urged caution about long delays and suggested considering housing alternatives, but ultimately approved both staff resolutions by roll call vote (7‑0).
Councilmembers asked staff to maintain regular contact with the developers during the extension period and to return if developers seek to start earlier, noting that earlier commencement remains possible under the agreements. No changes to entitlements or environmental findings were required beyond the adopted resolutions.
