Santa Anita Park will undergo major renovations after the racing season closes this month. The track's new owner will be tearing out part of the grandstand to construct luxury boxes and a new dining area.
More than 500 residents packed the Community Center last week regarding a proposed entertainment complex at Santa Anita Park. Opponents of the project have become increasingly vocal in recent weeks.
Santa Anita Realty Enterprises won a long-awaited victory late Wednesday as the City Council tentatively granted a commercial land-use designation for an area that could serve as the site of a major entertainment center.
The Arcadia City Council unanimously decided to allow music and entertainment events at the 320-acre Santa Anita Park on 30 days over the next year as part of a pilot program. Events can be scheduled for weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 11 PM.
Santa Anita REAlty Enterprises has poured more than $78,000 into the campaign to defeat Measure M, the Nov. 5 ballot measure to give voters veto power over the development of an entertainment complex near the company's race track.
Plaza de las Fiestas, a new multipurpose arena in the northwest quadrant of the infield at the Santa Anita Park, has been created to accommodate Family Faire weekend outings for groups of 25 or more, as well as company picnics, concerts, trade shows, equine shows and other special occasions that can share the day with racing.
At the Arcadia City Planning Commission meeting of June 13, City Manager Bill Kelly gave a brief overview of the Santa Anita Entertainment Center Project (SAEC).
The Santa Anita Companies are disposing of non-core real estate assets as part of a long-term program which they say will improve cash flow and net income.
"Neighbors for Arcadia," a group in opposition to the proposed Santa Anita Entertainment Center, has elected officers and is preparing a petition for a ballot.
The citizens group Neighbors for Arcadia said Wednesday it will take the fight against Santa Anita Entertainment Center to voters with a ballot initiative.