What's Happening?
The Garden Grove City Council has approved plans to demolish a church and preschool located at 9822 Russell Ave. to make way for 26 new townhomes. The site currently hosts Spanish-language and Vietnamese Christian services, as well as the Orangefield
Child Development Center. The decision follows a similar project approved last year, reflecting a trend towards residential development in the area. The new townhomes, designed in a Spanish revival style, will be developed by Melia Homes and are expected to be priced around $850,000. Despite some concerns about parking and traffic, the project has been deemed a 'fantastic fit' for the neighborhood by developers.
Why It's Important?
This development is part of a broader trend of converting religious and community spaces into residential properties, driven by the increasing demand for housing in urban areas. The project highlights the challenges cities face in balancing community needs with housing demands. While the new townhomes will provide homeownership opportunities, the lack of affordable housing units raises questions about accessibility for lower-income residents. The transformation of such sites also reflects changing urban landscapes and the evolving role of community spaces in city planning.
