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Council upholds Planning Commission approval of Think Together mixed‑use project, denies CEQA appeal
Summary
After a public hearing, the council denied an appeal challenging environmental review for a 7‑story, 274‑unit Think Together mixed‑use project at 2101 E. 4th St., concluding the project remains exempt under CEQA section 15168; opponents asked for a new EIR based on updated air and indoor‑air information.
The Santa Ana City Council voted to deny an appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s approval of the Think Together mixed‑use development at 2101 E. 4th Street. The decision was recorded as 5 ayes, no nays (Councilmember Fan recused, Councilmember Lopez absent).
Supporters, including a local neighborhood leader, urged the council to approve the project. Victor Mendez said the project will upgrade the neighborhood and add green space. Opponents, represented by attorney Aleja Kretcher on behalf of Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility (SAFER), argued new mitigation measures and scientific findings — including updated CARB controls for architectural coatings and revised mechanical ventilation standards (ASHRAE 62.1 updates) — create newly available mitigation that would warrant preparation of a new environmental impact report rather than relying on prior EIRs.
Planning staff and the city attorney responded that the late technical submissions did not introduce new information sufficient to invalidate the prior CEQA analysis or require a new EIR; staff distributed written responses to the late comments and advised the council that the project remains exempt under CEQA section 15168 for a residential infill programmatic analysis. After hearing the arguments, the council denied the appeal and instructed staff to memorialize the approvals in a density bonus agreement.
